IND vs AUS: ‘I Played with a Fearless Mentality, Took Brave Decisions,’ Says Yashasvi Jaiswal

Last Update:24 November 2024 18:10 IST

Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 161 in his first test in Australia after being dismissed for an eight-ball duck for a hundred.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Yashasvi Jaiswal smashes 161 (AP)

Yashasvi Jaiswal termed his “fearless mentality” and ability to take “bold decisions” as catalysts behind his remarkable hundred against Australia in the ongoing first Test on Sunday.

Jaiswal scored 161 in only his second innings on Australian soil and added 201 runs for the opening wicket with KL Rahul (77), laying the foundation for India’s 533-run target.

“It was a very special moment for me. I always wanted to tour Australia and do well and this innings is very important for me,” Jaiswal said in the post-day press conference.

“I always wanted to play with a fearless mentality. I always believe in myself and make bold decisions. “So it was a fantastic experience to play against such quality bowlers from their country and to score 100 against the best in the world is a very special feeling,” he added.

Jaiswal, who was dismissed for an eight-ball delivery in the first innings, said his focus was on frustrating the new-ball spell with the Australian quick batting.

“In the first innings, the wicket was seaming a little more. In the second innings, we were discussing how to play better with the new ball, which balls to leave and which to play. Therefore, it was important for the team that I play the new ball better.” Jaiswal said that in the second attempt, he set small goals for himself.

“Since my goals were small, I never thought I would achieve such a big face by working session by session. Later I had a good partnership with (KL) Rahul bhai. He was guiding me during the partnership, so it was helpful.” So what was the conversation between him and Rahul during the alliance? “We have been playing together for a while now, we all know each other well and talk among ourselves. dressing room.

“Whenever I felt nervous in the middle, Rahul bhai would tell me to stay focused and calm. “It was beneficial because you will get good balls on such pitches,” he said.

The left-hander said his team was ready to tackle the bounce in Perth.

“We knew the ball was going to bounce here. We prepared to bounce. We had a good camp here before this Test. We were also training in similar conditions, with the same mentality to see how we can score runs in these conditions. The important thing is to practice hard and learn which shots to play here,” he explained.

Jaiswal brought up his fourth Test hundred with a remarkably ramped six-pitch pacer Josh Hazlewood. The 22-year-old player said he was mentally ready for this.

“Honestly, I knew he was going to bowl a bouncer because that’s the way the pitch was set up and I was ready to bounce and play that shot. I’m happy I did it and kept going for a while,” he said.

ALSO READ | GOAT! AB De Villiers Praises Virat Kohli For Scoring Hundreds In Border-Gavaskar Trophy

‘Virat paaji is incredible’

Virat Kohli brought up his 30th Test hundred some time after Jaiswal reached the landmark and said it was a privilege to watch and play alongside the young star batsman.

“I saw Virat paaji jogging on TV in Perth in 2018. Now I saw it live too. He’s been doing this for a very long time. So it’s truly incredible.

“We were so happy for him that he was able to finish it. We were all waiting for his 100. He played great,” he said.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)