Jaiswal got assistance in addressing struggles against pacers

The upcoming Test series against Bangladesh is crucial not only for Yashasvi Jaiswal but also for Shubman Gill, who has been working to solidify his defence against spinners, and KL Rahul, looking to cement his Test spot.

During India’s training session on Monday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Yashasvi Jaiswal faced a tough challenge. Jasprit Bumrah sent his stumps flying, and the left-hander struggled against both pace and movement from the bowlers. Virat Kohli, watching closely, pulled Jaiswal aside for a chat, advising him on leaving balls and shouldering arms at the right moments. Despite Kohli’s guidance, Jaiswal continued to face difficulties at the crease.

Recognizing Jaiswal's struggles, head coach Gautam Gambhir intervened. He took Jaiswal for an extended net session, where the young batter focused on getting behind the line of the ball for 15-20 minutes of throwdowns. Despite Jaiswal’s impressive form in his last Test series against England, where he amassed 712 runs, he appeared rusty, likely due to inconsistent performances in the IPL, where he managed just one fifty and a hundred before being sidelined at the T20 World Cup.

Jaiswal wasn’t just troubled by Bumrah—fellow pacers Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, and net bowler Yudhvir Singh also tested him. While Jaiswal showcased his attacking prowess against the spinners, the concerns about his struggles against fast bowlers prompted Gambhir’s extra attention.

India is counting on Jaiswal as a key player for the upcoming 10-Test season, especially given his powerful brand of cricket. Opponents like Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon are eager to challenge the 22-year-old, who made an impressive debut against England. With Australia on the horizon, and five home Tests before that, India remains confident in Jaiswal despite some rustiness.

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul will be under the spotlight as well. Gill, who fought to retain his spot in the Test lineup, turned his fortunes around with a crucial second-innings century against England, followed by consistent performances in the next three Tests. However, doubts linger about his suitability for the No. 3 spot, particularly regarding his vulnerability to in-swingers and spinners. Gill has acknowledged the need to improve his defence against spin, especially on turning tracks, and has been working on this aspect since the Duleep Trophy.

KL Rahul, likely to bat at No. 5 or 6, has shown flashes of brilliance with centuries in England and Australia, but he has yet to fully establish himself in the Test side. In recent net sessions at Chepauk, Rahul has looked confident, displaying strong defence and excellent footwork. India will be hoping for a similar performance when the series begins, as it would provide much-needed stability before the team heads to Australia.