21-year-old Left-handed batter Yashasvi Jaiswal is all set to make his Test debut for India during the 1st Test against West Indies later today. Indian Captain Rohit Sharma confirmed the news on Tuesday and Jaiswal will replace Shubman Gill in the opening slot with the later set to come in at no. 3 in this series at least.
Team India are going through a period of transition in the Longest format after losing the WTC Final against Australia in June. It was India’s 2nd consecutive WTC Final loss, previously losing to New Zealand during the first ever one-off Finale in 2021 when Virat Kohli was the Skipper.
Solid support for @ybj_19 and the youngsters in the squad 👏 👏@ShubmanGill to bat at No. 3 👍 👍
🎥 Snippets from #TeamIndia Captain @ImRo45's press conference ahead of the first #WIvIND Test 🔽 pic.twitter.com/idDJwh6Fn5
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 11, 2023
The Indian contingent crumbled in front of the Aussies by 209 runs due to a poor performance with the bat and a mediocre bowling attack. As a result, the selection committee axed Cheteshwar Pujara from the West Indies tour and the Indian management has found his replacement as well.
During a press conference, Rohit Sharma stated that Shubman Gill who has been opening alongside him in all formats will be coming in at Number 3. He confirmed that it was entirely Gill’s decision to demote down the order after discussing the same with head coach Rahul Dravid.
“Gill will play at number 3 because Gill himself wants to play at number 3. He discussed with Rahul that I have played all my cricket at 3 and 4. I think I can do better for my team if I bat at number 3.” – said Rohit.
With the No. 3 dilemma solved, Rohit Sharma hoping for Yashasvi Jaiswal to rule the opening slot
During the conference, Rohit Sharma seemed satisfied with this new change in the Batting order. He admitted that India were looking for a capable leftie opener for years and he is hoping that Yashasvi Jaiswal is the answer.
As we all know, Yashasvi Jaiswal had a terrific season in the IPL, scoring 625 runs at a strike rate of 163.61 and amassed the fastest half-century in IPL history on the way. His record in first-class cricket is sensational too. He is averaging 80.21 after 26 Ranji Innings, scoring 1845 runs with a best of 265.]
2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣1️⃣ – Team members
2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣3️⃣ – Head Coach & Batter
12 years on Rahul Dravid & Virat Kohli reminisce some special Dominica memories 😊#TeamIndia | #WIvIND | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/HRkBLS2Lam
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 12, 2023
“I think we will try to do this and hopefully this will go on for a long time. Because we have been looking for a left-hander for many years. So now that we have got that left-hander, let’s hope he performs well for the team. And he can really make that spot his own.”
The first Test between India and West Indies will start from 7:30 PM onwards at the Windsor Park Dominica.
