Yashasvi Jaiswal’s recent dismissal in the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru has become a hot topic among cricket aficionados. The 21-year-old’s aggressive batting style, which led to his stumping, has sparked diverse opinions, with some questioning his shot selection while others applaud his fearless approach.
A Shot That Divided Opinions
Jaiswal’s innings ended in the 18th over when Ajaz Patel delivered a cleverly disguised ball. The young left-hander, who had scored 35 runs off 52 balls, attempted to take charge by stepping out of his crease. However, the ball’s unexpected dip and bounce outwitted him, resulting in a stumping by wicketkeeper Tom Blundell. This moment has become the epicentre of a debate, drawing varied responses from cricket experts.
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Critics and Defenders Weigh In
Former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali did not hold back in criticising Jaiswal’s choice of shot. On his YouTube channel, Ali described Jaiswal as a “kacha player” (not ripe yet), acknowledging his talent but stressing the need for more responsibility. “I agree that you have many shots in your arsenal, but it was crucial for you to stay at the wicket because you’re a left-hander, my prince,” Ali remarked. He highlighted the strategic advantage of having a left-hander at the crease to disrupt the bowling attack.
Conversely, former Indian captain Ajay Jadeja defended Jaiswal during a discussion on Colors Cineplex. Jadeja argued against condemning Jaiswal’s aggressive play, stating, “You cannot be angry with his shot selection. You could have been angry if he hadn’t played these shots when he scored 200 or 250.” He emphasised that dismissals can happen whether one is attacking or defending and that judgement should not be based solely on the result.
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Match Context Adds to the Debate
The discussion around Jaiswal’s dismissal is further intensified by India’s challenging position in the match. After being dismissed for just 46 runs in their first innings, India faced a daunting 356-run deficit following New Zealand’s impressive total of 402. Despite this setback, India demonstrated resilience in their second innings. Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma laid a strong foundation with a 72-run opening partnership.
By stumps on Day 3, India had reached 231-3, bolstered by a determined 136-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan. The current score stands at 344-3, with rain causing delays in the match.
