Former India captain and selector Dilip Vengsarkar has advised Yashasvi Jaiswal to tone down his aggressive style in Test cricket, saying that while the young opener has great potential, he must learn to assess each delivery carefully and value his wicket.
Jaiswal announced himself in the England Test series with a sublime hundred in the first innings at Headingley. However, since that memorable century, the left-hander has struggled. In his last five innings, he has only one fifty to show.
His dismissal in the second innings at Lord’s has sparked criticism from several quarters. Chasing 193 on a challenging surface, Yashasvi Jaiswal tried to take on Jofra Archer with a pull shot in just the second over of the innings. The ball got big on him and took the top edge, ballooning into the gloves of wicket-keeper Jamie Smith. The timing of the shot, given the match situation, drew disappointment from fans and former players alike.
Dilip Vengsarkar Urges Yashasvi Jaiswal to Show More Restraint
Speaking after Jaiswal's poor outings at Lord’s, Vengsarkar said the young batter has the skills, but needs to be more selective with his shot-making.
"Jaiswal is a good player with a lot of potential, but he needs to curb his aggressive instincts at times. In Test cricket, you have to play each ball on its merit. A slight mistake and you’re out. Since his hundred, he hasn’t been among the runs, but consistency is key at the highest level. I expect a lot from him in Test cricket," Vengsarkar said as quoted to RevSportz.
Vengsarkar also denied that Shubman Gill’s verbal altercation with England opener Zak Crawley on Day 3 at Lord's had any bearing on his performance.
"I don’t think so (Incident with Crawley affecting Gill's batting). That incident was something Gill felt very strongly about and he made his feelings clear. But I don’t think it affected his batting at all. He’s a top-class player, and his temperament and skill level have been on display throughout the series. He played superbly at Headingley, and I don’t think the incident at Lord’s had an impact on him," he added.
Dilip Vengsarkar Criticises Jasprit Bumrah for Picking and Choosing Which Tests to Play
Vengsarkar launched a scathing attack on Jasprit Bumrah for picking and choosing which Test matches to play. The former selector was critical of the idea that India’s premier fast-bowler could decide when to play in a crucial Test series at a time when India are trailing 2-1.
It has already been confirmed that Bumrah will play only three Test matches on the tour. He has already featured in two. His availability for the Manchester Test, starting July 23, is still under the wraps. However, with the series on the line, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate hinted that Bumrah will take the field in Manchester
In a statement to Telecom Asia Sport, Vengsarkar said:
"Test cricket is the ultimate format. It is more important than any other version of the game. When the team needs him, Bumrah has to be available. You can’t let your lead bowler decide which Tests he feels like playing."
"It sends the wrong message. If you are fit, you play. India needs their best bowlers in the toughest conditions," he added.
