Newcomer Yashasvi Jaiswal showed no disappointment for not hitting a hundred on Day 2 of the first Test versus England in Hyderabad.
In his first-ever home Test match, Jaiswal seemed calm and present from the start. He added only four more runs to his initial 76 until his dismissal on the day’s fourth ball.
Speaking at the press conference following the second day, Jaiswal stated that scoring a century would have been incredible, but he was pleased with adhering to his approach and contributing to the team.
“Of course, it would have been amazing if I would have scored a hundred. But what took me there was my thinking and my process to score runs and I was quite positive in my mind and I was just thinking, making sure I can build an innings. But it was good actually. This is my first Test match in India and I was just thinking of contributing well and doing well for my team.”
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal also expressed delight at representing the country, whether at home or abroad.
“When I was playing in the West Indies and South Africa, it was quite a different environment. Here also the environment is quite different. I was really enjoying all the places, of course. It is a proud and honour moment every time I go and play for my country.”
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Following his amazing first-class success, Jaiswal struck a stunning 171 on his Test debut against the West Indies last year. However, he underperformed throughout the current South African trip, scoring only 50 runs in four innings.
On his home Test debut, Jaiswal scored 80 runs off 76 deliveries, including 12 fours and three maximums.
Yashasvi Jaiswal reflects on his mistake that cost him his wicket to Joe Root
Yashasvi Jaiswal expressed readiness for Joe Root’s part-time off-spin bowling during any inning despite his dismissal against him.
After not rolling his arm over on Day 1, Joe Root started the bowling on Day 2 and was rewarded immediately with Jaiswal’s wicket.
Yashasvi Jaiswal responded to Root’s firing as follows:
“I knew that at some stage he was going to bowl. I was prepared for him. He can bowl first over. But as I said, I was trying my best to do what I could and sometimes I can make a mistake and get out. Still, I’m learning. If I do make a mistake, I’ll make sure that I try to learn from it.”
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashavi Jaiswal also stated that hitting left-arm spinner Tom Hartley, against whom he scored 44 off 26 deliveries, was not a planned strategy.
“No I don’t think so. I was just thinking about how I can play a certain ball.”
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Despite missing out on his century, the teenager placed India into a commanding position to build on their strong start on Day 2. The other hitters followed suit, led by KL Rahul (86) and Ravindra Jadeja (81*).
At stumps on Day 2, the hosts are comfortably ahead at 421/7, with a whopping 175-run margin.