Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young Indian opener, has recently found himself at the center of discussions, with his performances drawing both praise and scrutiny from various corners of the cricketing world. While some, like Sunil Gavaskar, have offered words of encouragement and constructive criticism, others, including commentators Stuart Broad, have been perceived as overly critical, leading to a strong wave of support for the young player.

Gavaskar, a legend of the game himself, has been a keen observer of Jaiswal's journey. He has, on multiple occasions, emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes. Following Jaiswal's impressive performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Gavaskar lauded the youngster's ability to adapt and improve his game after facing challenges. He noted that Jaiswal demonstrated a clear plan against different bowlers, showcasing his growing maturity and understanding of the game. Gavaskar had previously admitted that he doubted Jaiswal's ability to score runs in Australia, especially after the young batter's dismissals in South Africa.

However, Gavaskar has also offered words of caution, advising Jaiswal to take his time at the beginning of his innings, regardless of the pitch conditions. He believes that Jaiswal sometimes gets too aggressive too early, and that Test cricket requires patience and a period of adjustment before unleashing his attacking game. In March 2024, Gavaskar even revealed that he had "reprimanded" Jaiswal in South Africa for throwing away his wicket after a good start against the West Indies, urging him to avoid gifting his wicket to bowlers.

The most recent incident that sparked debate involved a controversial dismissal during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Jaiswal was given out by the third umpire, Sharfuddoula Saikat, despite inconclusive evidence from the snickometer. This decision led to widespread criticism, with Gavaskar himself leading the charge. Gavaskar questioned the reliance on "optical illusion" when technology is available, arguing that the on-field umpire's decision should stand when the technology doesn't provide conclusive evidence. He went on to say that if technology cannot provide clarity, it shouldn't be used to overturn decisions. Rajeev Shukla, the BCCI vice president, echoed Gavaskar's sentiments, stating that the third umpire should have considered what the technology was suggesting.

While Gavaskar's comments are generally perceived as constructive, some other commentators have faced backlash for their assessment of Jaiswal's game. Stuart Broad's commentary has, at times, been viewed as overly critical, leading to a strong defense of Jaiswal from fans and fellow cricketers. The sentiment is that it's easy to sit in the commentary box and offer opinions, but it's crucial to understand the pressures and challenges faced by a young player making his way in international cricket. Supporters of Jaiswal suggest that some commentators should perhaps "check their facts" and offer more balanced perspectives, taking into account the player's potential and the context of the game. Jaiswal's supporters point to his record-breaking performances in the IPL 2023, where he amassed 625 runs, including the fastest fifty in the tournament. They also highlight his impressive start to his Test career, including a century on debut.

Ultimately, Yashasvi Jaiswal is still in the early stages of his international career, and like any young player, he will experience both successes and failures. The key is to learn from these experiences, as Gavaskar has repeatedly emphasized, and to continue developing his game. While constructive criticism is valuable, it's equally important to offer support and encouragement, recognizing the talent and potential that Jaiswal possesses. The backing he's receiving from fans and fellow cricketers suggests that many believe he has a bright future ahead of him, and that he deserves the opportunity to grow and develop without undue pressure or overly harsh judgment.