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'Going To Be A Test' - Sunil Gavaskar Opens Up On South African Challenge For Yashasvi Jaiswal

image-lqgfsy2fYashasvi Jaiswal (Twitter)

Amidst worries and nerves about young Yashasvi Jaiswal's tryst with the difficult conditions in South Africa, the inexperienced Indian opener found great support in the form of legend Sunil Gavaskar, who believes the Mumbaikar is perfectly capable of thriving on Proteas shores as well. 

Jaiswal, who made a successful debut in the Caribbean this July with a maiden Test century in Dominica, is in for his litmus test in only the second series for the 21-year-old. 



With the South African pitches bouncing steep and offering pacers consistent seam movement, many subcontinent players have struggled touring the rainbow nation on even their third and fourth tours. For Jaiswal, the challenge is to revert the trend and establish command at the crease on his very first trip to the country. 

Expectations are best kept in check and it's critical for the young turk to not feel pressurised to find a strong footing against the Proteas attack in their den so early in his development. However, Gavaskar reckons the technically solid left-hander has what it takes to succeed. 

Gavaskar Backs Jaiswal To Succeed In South Africa 

Gavaskar advised Jaiswal to earmark the first 10-15 overs as the most critical against the Kookaburra red ball on South African pitches and try to overcome the new-ball burst from both ends. Once there, the maestro feels the Mumbaikar has the range on square off the wicket to score runs in South Africa. 

"Yes, it's going to be a test for him. But I do believe that he has got the capability to thrive in these conditions too," Gavaskar told Star Sports ahead of the two-Test series, starting December 26 in Centurion. 


"What I have seen of him in Test matches is that he plays the ball very late, his head is very still, he gets into the line quite nicely. He is not looking to rush at the ball. He plays it very late, he loves to give himself time in the middle."


"He is a good player of the short ball, he is not afraid to play the pull shot. I think, when the Kookaburra ball is used in places like South Africa and Australia, the first 12 overs are important, because the ball does nothing after that. If you survive 12 overs, then nobody can get you out if you are a good batter," the legend added.