Skipper Rohit Sharma has made an exciting announcement ahead of the first Test match against West Indies, scheduled to begin in Dominica on July 12. In their inaugural match of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, India will introduce a fresh opening combination, with the captain himself partnering with 21-year-old left-hander Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Jaiswal’s selection comes on the back of an exceptional performance in the domestic circuit across various formats
including a remarkable season in the Indian Premier League. Having displayed promising skills, Jaiswal caught the attention of the national selectors after his outstanding contributions to India’s World Test Championship 2023 Final against Australia last month. Consequently, he has been called up to the Test squad for the upcoming series against West Indies.
Despite having played only 15 first-class matches, Jaiswal boasts an impressive average of over 80, with nine centuries and a highest score of 265. His remarkable statistics and immense potential make him a compelling choice for the opening position alongside Rohit Sharma.
With Jaiswal’s confirmation as the opening partner, Rohit Sharma has revealed that his incumbent partner, Shubman Gill, will shift down the batting order to No.3. This strategic decision aims to fill the void left by Cheteshwar Pujara, who was not considered for the West Indies tour. Speaking ahead of the first Test on Wednesday, Rohit stated, “Gill will play at number 3 because Gill himself wants to play at number 3. He discussed with Rahul (Dravid) 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. And it is good for us too because it becomes an opening combination of left and right.”
The skipper further expressed his hope for a long-lasting partnership between himself and Jaiswal. He emphasized the significance of having a left-hander in the opening position, which the team has been searching for over the years. Rohit Sharma’s optimism rests upon Jaiswal’s talent and potential, and he expects the young batsman to deliver exceptional performances for the team and make the opening spot his own.
Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane had previously hinted at Jaiswal’s inclusion in the playing XI
And left a message of encouragement for the youngster. Praising Jaiswal’s skills and success in domestic cricket, Rahane urged him to express his batting prowess without being burdened by thoughts of international cricket. The vice-captain emphasized the importance of playing with freedom and staying true to his natural game.
Additionally, Rohit Sharma revealed that India is likely to field two spinners in the first Test. Although he did not disclose the names, it is widely expected that Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin will secure the two spinner spots, with Axar Patel providing another spinning option in the squad.
As India prepares to take on West Indies in the much-anticipated Test series, the new opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal has generated significant excitement. With Jaiswal’s exceptional talent, backed by the experience and skill of the Indian team, fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming matches. The inclusion of two spinners further adds to the strategic depth of the squad, ensuring a captivating contest on the cricket field.