Ahead of the crucial Oval Test, Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young Indian opener, shared insights into his personal growth and the mentorship he has received from key figures in the Indian cricket team. In a recent press conference, Jaiswal revealed a six-word piece of advice he received from captain Rohit Sharma at The Oval that has resonated deeply with him.
The advice, simple yet profound, was: "Go out there and enjoy". This message, delivered by Sharma, encouraged Jaiswal to embrace the moment and express his natural talent on the field. The young Mumbai batter has been key to India's chances in the 5th Test against England. He is currently unbeaten and history may be ready to repeat itself.
The Oval has historically been a special venue for Indian cricket, and Jaiswal is aware of this fact. India has won only two Tests at The Oval, one in 1971 and the other in 2021. In both instances, Mumbai batsmen shaped the wins with crucial second-innings knocks. Ajit Wadekar in 1971 and Rohit Sharma in 2021.
Sharma's influence extends beyond just this advice. Jaiswal also acknowledged the valuable advice he received from Virat Kohli and the constant support from head coach Gautam Gambhir. This collaborative environment has allowed him to flourish and express himself freely.
During the third day of the Test match, Jaiswal made a gesture that touched the hearts of many when he honored Rohit Sharma after scoring a century at The Oval. Sharma was present in the audience, witnessing India's impressive performance. Jaiswal ran towards Sharma, took off his helmet and gloves, placed them on the ground, and gave a flying kiss, followed by a heart gesture. This emotional tribute was particularly meaningful because Jaiswal began his Test career under Sharma's captaincy. Sharma responded with a smile and a thumbs-up.
Sharma's surprise appearance at The Oval to support Team India also excited fans. Although Sharma recently retired from Test cricket, he remains a pillar of support for the team. Fans expressed their excitement on social media, with hashtags like #RohitSharma and #HitmanAtOval trending. Some fans referred to him as the team's "lucky charm".
Jaiswal's journey has been marked by significant milestones. He scored his first double century in 2013 and later captained the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, leading them to five wins. In 2022, he became India's full-time captain across all formats.
