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Chappell said he was highly impressed with Jaiswal, in the opening Test against Australia and sees him as one among the architects in India’s 295-run win on Sunday.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed 161 (AP)
Former India Head Coach, Greg Chappell backed Yashasvi Jaiswal to be the next India batting great following the footsteps of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
Chappell writing in a column for the Sydney Morning Herald, was highly impressed with the youngster’s 161-run innings against Australia in Perth and feels the southpaw was among those who played a key role in India taking a mammoth 295-run win.
“The young opener is fearless and appears poised to inherit the mantle of Indian batting excellence, following the likes of Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar,” Chappell wrote.
The former India Coach also praised the Indian cricketing structure and feels it gives them a massive advantage compared to other nations.
“Jaiswal’s journey encapsulates why India’s planning and infrastructure give them a clear edge in world cricket. The young left-hander moved to Mumbai at 10, seeking the best competition to realise his dream of representing India,” Chappell wrote.
“Considering the staggering odds of breaking into the Indian XI, his determination is remarkable. There are so many players in India who are good enough to play Test cricket, but some can’t even get a game for their state team,” he added.
Chappell also used numbers to show how Jaiswal is a class apart when compared to his Australian counterpart, Nathan McSweeney.
“A comparison with Australia’s Nathan McSweeney is illuminating. At 22, Jaiswal has played 14 Tests, 30 first-class matches, 32 List A games, and 53 IPL matches. By contrast, McSweeney, at 25, has just made his debut Test, with just 34 first-class, 22 List A, and 18 T20 matches under his belt.”
He also credited Rahul Dravid’s work with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for helping set the foundation for more young talents like Jaiswal to come through.
“India’s system prioritised long-form cricket at the youth level under Rahul Dravid’s leadership. This focus ensures that players are well-versed in the nuances of the game,” he noted.
“In contrast, Australia’s system limits opportunities for young cricketers, prioritising school commitments over competition during much of the year,” he added.
(with PTI Inputs)
