Yashasvi Admits He Can’t Match Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli Yet, Focuses on Growth

Yashasvi Jaiswal says he hopes to learn from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli while trusting his own strengths as he prepares for the Test series against South Africa.

Yashasvi Jaiswal has enjoyed a remarkable rise since making his international debut in 2023 against the West Indies, where he began with a century. Jaiswal has since scored runs in varied conditions and continues to excel against strong attacks. His Test record already includes 2428 runs in 26 matches, averaging 51.66 with a strike rate of 66.43. He has hit 12 fifties, seven centuries, and two double hundreds, both scored against England.

Ahead of the upcoming two-Test series in South Africa, Jaiswal acknowledged that he still has much to achieve before reaching the standards set by senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He aims to learn from their careers while relying on his own strengths.

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“What Rohit Bhaiya and Virat Bhai have done in their careers is incredible. They’ve inspired an entire generation, including me. I see it as an opportunity to learn from them and do my best. I know I can’t fill their shoes, but I’ll back my strengths and play with confidence,” Yashasvi said to Jiostar.

Notably, Yashasvi Jaiswal enters the South Africa series in strong form after impressive performances against England and the West Indies. During the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, he scored 411 runs in 10 innings at an average of 41.10, including two fifties and two centuries, helping India secure a 2-2 draw. He continued that form, finishing as the leading run-scorer against the West Indies with 219 runs in three innings at an average of 73.

Bumrah Strikes Twice to Shake South Africa Early

India’s opening Test against South Africa began with Shubman Gill losing another toss, allowing Temba Bavuma’s side to choose batting on the first morning in Kolkata. The match also marks Rishabh Pant’s return to the XI. India enters the series after beating the West Indies last month.

In the match, Jasprit Bumrah quickly build momentum for India by removing Ryan Rickelton for 23 and dismissing Aiden Markram soon after, producing two crucial wickets inside the first 13 overs. At the time of writing, South Africa have reached 71 for 3 as India pushes to tighten control in the opening session.