India’s promising young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal faced sharp criticism from cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar following his dismissal on day three of the third Test for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at The Gabba. Mitchell Starc sent Jaiswal back to the pavilion on the second ball of India’s innings, leaving the team under early pressure and Sunil Gavaskar visibly disappointed.
Chasing Australia’s formidable first-innings total of 445, all eyes were on India’s opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. However, Jaiswal’s innings lasted just two deliveries, as he clipped a length delivery straight to Mitchell Marsh at square leg, departing for four runs.
Speaking on ABC Sport, Gavaskar didn’t hold back in his criticism of the young batter’s shot selection, “It’s not the best of shots. You are facing 445 runs, then I think it’s important for you to get your eye in. It wasn’t even a half volley, and you have tried to flick that ball away, and it’s a simple catch. Very good field placement and very good captaincy by Pat Cummins for sure.”
Gavaskar emphasized the need for an opener to show resilience and patience in such scenarios, particularly when chasing a massive total.
“Your job now for that one hour was to try and stay at the crease. Jaiswal, very very disappointing,” he said.
This marked the third time in the series that Mitchell Starc had dismissed the young Indian batter, exposing a clear vulnerability in Jaiswal’s approach against the left-arm pacer.
Mitchell Starc’s ability to trouble Jaiswal has become a talking point during the ongoing series. His pace, accuracy, and clever field placements under Pat Cummins’ captaincy have made life difficult for the young Indian opener, who has struggled to adapt against Starc’s variations.
