During the T20 World Cup, young Yashasvi Jaiswal was unable to make an impression in India’s starting lineup. Jaiswal warmed the bench while Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli opened the proceedings for the entire competition. In the series against Zimbabwe, he made his playing XI comeback and finished as the second-highest run scorer in the series with 141 runs in three matches.
The opener kept up the enthusiasm in the first game of the series against Sri Lanka, hitting 40 runs off just 21 deliveries in Pallekele. He appeared well-groomed and provided the squad with an excellent start to the powerplay. He shared a partnership of 74 runs with Shubman Gill, helping India score 213 runs in the opening innings.
At that point, former cricketer Ashish Nehra made fun of him, claiming that while they were together, Jaiswal would only warm up the bench and play well in the nets, but that now that they were done with Twenty20 internationals, the UP-born player could contribute to games as well.
Ajay Jadeja was discussing with Jaiswal in a post-match conversation with host broadcaster Sony Sports about Jaiswal’s potential to succeed Rohit and Kohli in white-ball cricket.
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When Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were present, Jay Jadeja questioned you about the differences (to open in 20Is). I think there’s only one distinction. The strokes that we witnessed from you today would have been played in the nets if Virat and Rohit were still competing in this format. Since Virat and Rohit aren’t here, you get to play those shots in the match now, Nehra added.
Nehraji never disappoints 😂
P.S. When we see fierce batting, @YUVSTRONG12 is always on our mind 🔥🤩#SonySportsNetwork #SLvIND #AshishNehra | @ybj_19 pic.twitter.com/y1gAo1RmiT
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 27, 2024
In the first Twenty20 International, however, India won easily by 43 runs. The Men in Blue won the match despite the middle order failing to perform adequately, after strong starts from Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis for Sri Lanka. Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh each claimed two wickets, while Riyan Parag claimed three for India.