Yashasvi Jaiswal credits Gautam Gambhir for boosting confidence ahead of Bangladesh Tests

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the rising star of Indian cricket, is currently fine-tuning his batting in the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2024 ahead of the much-anticipated two-match Test series against Bangladesh.

The young opener, known for his explosive performances, has found a new source of inspiration in none other than India’s newly appointed head coach, Gautam Gambhir.

With the shadow of Rahul Dravid’s successful tenure spreading larger after India’s triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup, Gautam Gambhir has quickly stepped in to steer the Indian cricket team with a fresh perspective.

Yashasvi Jaiswal reveals how Gautam Gambhir’s backing fuels his confidence

However, Gautam Gambhir lost his first ODI against Sri Lanka after winning the first T20I assignment. Gambhir's appointment as India’s head coach couldn’t have come at a more crucial time for Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is spreading his wings across the formats.

Well, Jaiswal has recently revealed that it was Gambhir’s words that gave him the confidence he needed to take on the Sri Lankan bowlers during their recent 3-0 T20I series triumph. The Sri Lanka tour proved to be a turning point, not just for the Men in Blue but for Jaiswal himself.

With Suryakumar Yadav leading the charge in T20I cricket, Jaiswal flourished under Gambhir’s watchful eye, playing a key role in India’s dominant 3-0 sweep of Sri Lanka. The dynamic left-hander, who scored 80 runs in three T20Is in Sri Lanka, credited Gautam Gambhir for instilling a fearless mindset in him and the rest of the squad.

As India gears up for their Test battle with Bangladesh, which will be Gambhir’s first assignment in red-ball cricket, Jaiswal is looking forward to unlocking his full potential under the new coach’s guidance.

Yashasvi Jaiswal was quoted as saying by PTI: “Yes, I have spoken with him during the Sri Lanka series. He really backed us, saying just go out and play freely and enjoy the game, and we will be with you. It gives us a lot of confidence and helps us to play fearlessly.”

I am working hard at nets: Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal is currently playing for India B in the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2024. The youngster said that he really worked hard for the tournament and the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19 in Chennai. He added that the domestic tournaments are very important for the players to boost confidence ahead of any international assignment.

Yashasvi Jaiswal further explained, “I am working hard at nets ahead, first for the Duleep Trophy and then for the Bangladesh series. It’s not about setting personal goals; as you know in cricket, you have to be consistent and keep working on your skills. Domestic tournaments like the Duleep Trophy and Irani Trophy are very important games, and it gives me a lot of confidence and helps me prepare for those (international) games.”

Jaiswal signed off by saying, “I try to remain in my zone and contribute to the team’s winning cause. You get to learn a lot of things in tournaments like the Duleep Trophy, and it is very good for you to play such intense games ahead of a Test series.”