IND vs SA: "Yashasvi Jaiswal Will Thrive In South African Conditions"- Sunil Gavaskar Ahead Of First Test

Yashasvi Jaisal is a part of the Indian squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa. He played in the T20I series as well and was rested for the ODI series. The southpaw made his Test debut against West Indies earlier this year.

Jaiswal had had a great start to his international career with Test and T20I hundreds under his belt. He is yet to make his ODI debut but is seen as someone for the long run and someone who will serve Indian cricket for a long time.

Heading into this Test series against South Africa, Jaiswal is in form having some runs in the T20I series. Given how he has structured his game, Sunil Gavaskar, the former Indian skipper, said he has the technique and quality to thrive in South African conditions.

“Yes, it’s going to be a test for him. But I do believe that he has got the capability to thrive in these conditions too. What I have seen of him in Test matches is that he plays the ball very late, his head is very still, he gets into the line quite nicely. He is not looking to rush at the ball. He plays it very late, he loves to give himself time in the middle,” Gavaskar was quoted as saying on Star Sports.

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Yashasvi Jaiswal Needs To Play The First 12 Overs: Sunil Gavaskar

The former Indian skipper said that the southpaw can dictate terms if he survives the first hour of the morning session.

“He is a good player of the short ball, he is not afraid to play the pull shot. I think, when the Kookaburra ball is used in places like South Africa and Australia, the first 12 overs are important because the ball does nothing after that. If you survive 12 overs, then nobody can get you out if you are a good batter. So that’s what Yashasvi has to say to himself. If you can be alright for the first 10-12 overs, you can make big runs,” Gavaskar added.

Heading into the Test series, India leveled the T20I series under Suryakumar Yadav and won the ODI series under KL Rahul. Rohit Sharma will now return to the side to lead in the Test series. Previously during the 2021-22 tour, India lost the Test series 2-1 and were whitewashed in the ODI series.

Things time around, things are different with the Indian team looking the stronger of the two teams having all their players fit and available. The senior players are also back in the side. Meanwhile, South Africa have a few problems with Kagiso Rabada doubtful for the first Test and there are injury concerns with Anrich Notje as well.

Centurion will host the first Test from December 26-30. Cape Town will host the second Test from January 3-7. The Test series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.

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