New Delhi, November 21 (IANS). Before the Perth Test, India’s experienced batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has described left-handed opening batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal as the most important player of the visiting team. He believes that if India has to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the third consecutive time, then Yashasvi Jaiswal will have to show strength.
Cheteshwar Pujara said on Star Sports on Jaiswal’s role in the Indian team, “Yashvi is probably one of the most talented cricketers in India. I am sure he still has a lot to prove, especially playing overseas. But he Will play an important role in this particular series. If we have to win the series, his role is most important. He can play the same role as David Warner used to play for the Australian team.
He said, “I think his batting will be important. Even in India when we were losing the series but he batted well. He is the X factor of the Indian batting order. I am sure he will be successful. There will be challenges throughout this series, but he is mentally strong.”
He prepares really well. He hits many balls and loves to bat. I really think he still has a long way to go for the Indian team in all formats. Not just in the Test format but in all formats I think he will be very successful over time.”
Jaiswal has played 14 Test matches for India so far and has scored 1407 runs, which includes three centuries and eight half-centuries. He has become India’s first choice opening batsman in red ball cricket along with captain Rohit Sharma.
However, Rohit will be out of the first match of the series due to the birth of his second child and in his absence, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team in Perth. Pujara praised Bumrah for understanding the match situation and supported his role in the absence of the regular captain.
He said, “He is an excellent player. Bumrah is a very smart player. As a bowler, you should be well aware of your strengths and strategy. Whenever he scores runs, he always looks to take wickets. Let’s try. When you want to take wickets as a bowler, you have to think about the game.”
–IANS
AMJ/RR
