India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal has thrown his full support behind captain Shubman Gill after an eventful first day of the second Test versus England at Edgbaston. Speaking after stumps on Day 1, the young opener praised Gill’s clarity in leadership and the confidence he instills in the team. Jaiswal also dismissed talks of uncertainty in India’s team selection.
India had a brilliant outing with the bat after being put in to bat first by England. The visitors rode on Gill's century and Jaiswal’s 87. England’s bowlers struck early post-tea, pushing India into a tricky position at 211/5.
However, Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja stitched an unbeaten 99-run partnership as India finished the day on a high at 310/5.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Defends Selection Calls, Says Shubman Gill is Clear and Confident
Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been one of India’s most consistent batter this series along with Gill, lauded the leadership and batting of his captain. In the post-day press interaction, the 23-year-old expressed how assured the team feels under Gill’s captaincy as they are clear about their plans.
"I think he's been amazing the way he's batting. It's just incredible to see him bat and as a captain, also, he's been amazing. I think he's very clear in his head what he needs to do with the team, and we are very confident what we are going to do. So, yeah, we are just trying our best," said Jaiswal as quoted.
Jasprit Bumrah was rested for the match. This decision was criticised by Ravi Shastri, who questioned the logic of resting India’s best bowler in English conditions despite a week’s rest.
Sunil Gavaskar expressed his surprise at Kuldeep Yadav’s exclusion. The team went in with extra batting depth, which raised questions about their approach since their bowlers had failed to pick 20 wickets in the previous match.
However, away from the outside noise, Jaiswal said that the team had no confusion about making the selections for the Edgbaston Test.
"No, there is no confusion," Jaiswal stated.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Reflects on Missed Hundred
Jaiswal looked set for yet another century against England before falling short on 87 after playing a loose cut shot off Ben Stokes. The left-hander admitted that while the manner of his dismissal was disappointing, he is learning to take it in stride.
"It is disappointing to get out like that but it is part of game. But I want to enjoy the game at the same time. I try to find a solution what can be good in this situation (when he is challenged). Plans are always in the mind," Jaiswal asserted.
