‘I feel uneasy when Rohit bhai doesn’t scold me’: Yashasvi Jaiswal opens up on unique bond with ex-India captain

Yashasvi Jaiswal opens up on unique bond with Rohit Sharma.

After being given the opportunity during the three-match series against South Africa, Yashasvi Jaiswal scored his first ODI century. Jaiswal put together outstanding partnerships with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in a comprehensive nine-wicket victory while playing a magnificent game to score a ton in Vizag while chasing.

Over the course of his time with the national team, Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma have developed a solid connection. As an opener, Jaiswal spent a large portion of his cricket career under the guidance of his older Mumbai teammate. Jaiswal was widely seen as the future of Indian cricket after building that partnership at the top of the order.

The two opening batters have a very special understanding, which is not surprising. Rohit has a serious streak that shows out when he attempts to get more out of the team's younger players, despite the fact that he is generally seen as having a laid-back and calm attitude.

Speaking at the Agenda Aaj Tak event, Jaiswal described the distinctive combination of Rohit's personality as an opening partner and a leader.

“Every time Rohit bhai scolds us, it has a lot of love and indulgence mixed with it,” explained Jaiswal. “In fact, if Rohit bhai isn’t scolding you, there is a sense of unease as to what happened, why isn’t he scolding. Has he felt bad about my action.”

This perspective on a player who spent his early years on the international arena developing this relationship with the former Indian captain is consistent with Rohit's laid-back personality. Rohit continues to be regarded as a key member of India's cricket team even in the years after he resigned as captain.

Together with Virat Kohli, this group of players bears the responsibility of mentoring the team's younger players as senior statesmen. Their important positions as the top three hitters in the Indian batting order amply demonstrate this, and Jaiswal considered how their advice and encouragement were essential to his success in Vizag with his excellent century.

“If they are there, we all feel relaxed. When I was playing the third ODI, Rohit bhai told me to relax and remain calm and take time as he would take risks. How many people will do that?” said Jaiswal. “Similarly, Virat paaji gave me small targets and told me that we will have to win it ourselves.”

After Rohit and new skipper Shubman Gill, Jaiswal is primarily viewed as the ODI team's backup opener.  But now that he has achieved the first milestone, he gives India a great deal of confidence as they prepare for the future.