NEW DELHI: Team India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has expressed his admiration for the veteran Indian batter Virat Kohli, acknowledging his consistency and discipline both on and off the field.
Jaiswal, 22, has been in touch with Kohli since he started playing for India, seeking guidance on how to manage himself and maintain discipline in his daily routines to sustain a prolonged career.
“When I started playing like senior cricket, I did speak to Virat Paji that how he managed himself. Paji has said to me that if I want to play all that cricket, then I have to be disciplined in my daily routines and follow the process,” Jaiswal told BCCI. “So I have seen him doing the stuff consistently day by day. Actually seeing him, it motivates me a lot to put in the work and do something and make a difference in my habits, which is really important for me. I feel like I will be better day by day.”
Jaiswal believes that by emulating Kohli’s approach, he can continue to improve day by day.
In his brief Test career so far, Jaiswal has scored 1,407 runs at an impressive average of 56.28, with three centuries and eight fifties. He has been particularly dominant in home conditions, scoring 1,091 runs at an average of 60.61 and a strike rate of 76.29.
As Jaiswal prepares for his first tour of Australia and the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he acknowledges the different conditions he will face but remains excited and eager to embrace the challenge.
“It is my first trip to Australia. I am very excited to play here. I want to play well and do well. It is different here. The ball is different, the wicket is different. But I think we know that. I think we are ready mentally,” he added.
Jaiswal’s preparations involve having a plan and purpose during practice sessions, focusing on recovery through proper sleep and nutrition. His ultimate motivation remains the desire to play for India, and he feels blessed to have these opportunities.
The young opener is mentally and physically ready for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which will be played across five Test matches in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
