“This Game Can Bite You Hard”: Sunil Gavaskar Warns Yashasvi Jaiswal Over Sledging Mistake
Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has faced harsh criticism. This is due to a sledging incident in the Test series with Australia. It backfired. Jaiswal, who mocked Mitchell Starc for his slow bowling in Perth, has since struggled with the left-arm pacer.
Starc has had the upper hand. He dismissed Jaiswal in consecutive matches, including the first ball of the pink-ball Test. The sledging episode has drawn comments from cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar. He advised the young batter to focus on the game.
Gavaskar’s Warning to Jaiswal
On Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar warned Jaiswal about sledging opponents. Gavaskar stressed that one’s bat should do the talking, not words.
“You should do all the talking with your bat and not mouth. If a rival player is saying something to you, you can reply back, but don’t start the conversation from your side. Remember, this game can bite you on your back and bite you very hard. Jaiswal will have to concentrate on his batting rather than other stuff,” Sunil Gavaskar said on Star Sports.
Starc Dominates Jaiswal
Mitchell Starc has been relentless against Jaiswal since the sledging incident. After the Indian batter scored 161 in the Perth Test’s second innings, Starc has tried to dismiss him early. In the pink-ball Test, Jaiswal was out on the very first ball. In the third Test, he lasted only two deliveries against the Australian pacer.
Starc’s success against Jaiswal shows the risks of taunting a bowler in a high-stakes series.
Matthew Hayden’s Advice for Jaiswal
Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden also weighed in on Jaiswal’s recent struggles. Hayden thinks the young batter must improve his technique. He should also narrow his scoring areas to reduce his risk of getting out.
“He will have to narrow down his scoring areas. Instead of looking to play in the air, he can play down the wicket. Even if the shot is played uppishly, there is less chance of him getting out,” he said.
Jaiswal’s Path Ahead
At just 22, Jaiswal has great potential. But, the series has shown the challenges young players face at the highest level. Jaiswal must adapt and regain his form, with help from Gavaskar and Hayden, as the series goes on.
