Former India head coach Ravi Shastri is confident that the ‘already world class’ Yashasvi Jaiswal will improve even more in the upcoming Australia tour, no matter the challenges he encounters along the way.
The former India cricketer believes that it will be a challenge for Jaiswal to adapt to the bouncy pitch of Perth, however if the Indian opener succeeds in doing so, then he will play with freedom later on in the series.
“I think he’ll be a better player when he leaves Australian shores. Already he’s world class. You saw what he did against England (and) just the freedom with which he plays,” Shastri told Fox Cricket.
“I think once he adapts to these conditions – it’s not going to be easy to adjust in Perth with that bounce, no matter how talented you are. You have got to be prepared to do the hard yards. But if he can see that phase through, I think he’ll entertain. He will love these pitches. He’s someone who score pretty freely as well,” Shastri added.
Having led India to 2 series victories in Australia, Shastri knows firsthand that defeating the Aussies on their home turf is no easy feat.
“As I found out on my three tours here as a coach, you have to be at your best. Your A game has to come to the park very early if you want to catch Australia on the wrong foot. You don’t want to give an inch. I think that is the only way. There is no other way you can play. You’ve got to, or you’re not going to get an inch,” Shastri said.
“You have got to understand very early what to expect from the media as well, because they’ll be behind the Australian team. But if you can get your boys to get out there and play as hard as it gets be ready for some tough cricket and perform, the media will respect you,” Shastri added.
The 21-year-old is tipped to be the next big thing in Indian cricket and he has so far delivered up to the expectations laid upon him. Jaiswal recently even became the Indian player with the most Test runs scored at home in a calendar year.
