Gavaskar offered an in-depth analysis of Yashasvi Jaiswal’s struggles in the Test series against England, following his dismissal for just 2 runs in the first innings at The Oval.
Gavaskar Highlights Technical Flaws in Jaiswal’s Struggles
Sunil Gavaskar has sounded a warning over Yashasvi Jaiswal’s recent dip in form, pointing to a key technical flaw after the young opener’s cheap dismissal on Day 1 of the fifth Test at The Oval. Jaiswal, who started the series impressively, was dismissed for just 2 runs by Gus Atkinson, trapped lbw by a delivery angling in from around the wicket — a pattern that has repeatedly troubled him throughout the series.
Gavaskar, speaking on Sony Sports, noted that Jaiswal’s front foot movement and alignment have deteriorated, leading to vulnerability against inswinging deliveries. “There’s a bit of uncertainty and maybe a lack of confidence creeping into Jaiswal’s game. After scoring a hundred in the first Test, he hasn’t looked very fluent,” he said.
He further explained, “That’s possibly why he’s not getting his front foot far enough forward to smother the return. But he’s a good player. I think if someone sits with him and works on a few technical aspects—like getting his front foot forward and not opening up his shoulder too much—it could help.”
Gavaskar elaborated on the flaw, emphasizing how Jaiswal’s back shoulder currently moves towards first or second slip, making it difficult for the bat to come down straight. He added, “If his shoulder stayed more towards the wicketkeeper and first slip, the bat would come down straighter.”
A worrisome slump
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s early promise in the England series has steadily given way to a concerning slump, with his latest failure on Day 1 at The Oval reinforcing a growing trend. After kicking off the series in dominant fashion with scores of 101 and 87 in the first two Tests, the left-hander has managed just one fifty in his last five innings.
A key concern is his sharp decline against right-arm seamers from around the wicket. Once averaging a formidable 116 against that angle, Jaiswal’s average has now plummeted to just 24.7, with seven dismissals in the series coming in that exact manner. His overall series tally now reads 293 runs from nine innings at an average of 32.55, including one century and two fifties. While those numbers aren’t dismal for an away tour, the recent trend reveals a technical flaw that opposition bowlers are exploiting with increasing success.
India closed out Day 1 at 204/6 in 64 overs, with rain forcing a premature end to play. Karun Nair, making a return after missing the fourth Test, looked solid with an unbeaten 52, while Washington Sundar supported him with 19*. For England, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue claimed two wickets apiece, while Chris Woakes chipped in with one.
