India’s ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed strong confidence in Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, whom he believes will become the future pillars of the Indian cricket team, particularly during their upcoming overseas tours.
Following India’s recent 2-0 series victory over Bangladesh in Kanpur, Ashwin noted the crucial role played by these young talents in helping secure the win.
Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal have impressed with their performances, showing that they can step up to fill the shoes of experienced players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as they approach the later stages of their careers.
Ashwin praised the duo for their willingness to fight alongside the team’s stalwarts, suggesting that their combined talents will be essential for India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series, which is critical for the World Test Championship final.
Ashwin emphasized that the upcoming overseas tour will provide Gill and Jaiswal with invaluable experiences that will enhance their development as players. He stated:
“Jaiswal is a special talent who plays freely. Gill and Jaiswal will be the future pillars of the overseas tours, which we will encounter shortly, and will also enhance and enrich their experiences going forward in their Test journey. They need to encounter newer experiences and identify where they need to work; both are high-quality players.”
During the two-match Test series, India showcased an aggressive batting approach on Day 4, which some likened to the English “Bazball” style. Ben Duckett, an English cricketer, controversially suggested that credit for Jaiswal’s success should go to England’s approach. However, Ashwin disagreed, clarifying that Jaiswal’s style is inherent to his game and not influenced by Bazball:
“I know Ben Duckett a little bit. I think he meant it in a funny manner. Those who have seen Jaiswal bat would know that it was never instigated by Bazball, and he was never coached by Brendon earlier; it’s just the way he plays. It’s probably the next generation of players, and we have to adapt to their style and provide the best environment to nurture and prosper.”
As India prepares for the challenges of overseas cricket, Ashwin’s insights reflect the team’s strategic focus on integrating youth into their plans while fostering a modern style of play. With the experience of seasoned players combined with the fresh energy of talents like Gill and Jaiswal, India aims to continue building on its recent successes in the Test arena.
