India Coach Left Impressed By Yashasvi Jaiswal's 173 Not Out: 'Even After Not Being So Aggressive...'

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s determination impressed India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, who admired the youngster’s ability to remain unbeaten on 173 without being overly aggressive on the opening day of the second Test against West Indies.

Jaiswal compiled his runs from 262 balls, hitting 22 boundaries, and maintained control throughout his innings.

India Vs West Indies: 2nd Test Day 1 – Highlights

When asked what stood out, Kotak said: “The way he approached his innings was brilliant. According to the wicket, the way he adapted, the shots he decided on that wicket, what he felt with the bounce and the pace of the wicket, was brilliant.”

Kotak, a former Saurashtra left-hander, mentioned that Jaiswal was somewhat disappointed not to score big in Ahmedabad

despite starting well with 36 runs, and was determined to achieve a significant score here.

“For me, the most important aspect happened to be how determined he was about playing a big innings. Obviously he is still playing,” Kotak added.

Jaiswal’s conviction in selecting the right shots allowed him to dominate the bowlers without resorting to overly aggressive tactics.

“It is that determination and belief that even after not being so aggressive, he is batting on 173. So that shows how well he batted.”

Kotak praised Jaiswal’s shot selection.

“I think the players like him or any players at this level will obviously see the conditions, see the wicket, assess the bounce, see the bowlers and then probably they will target the areas. So I think he did brilliantly today.”

That Ball To KL

KL Rahul was unfortunate to get a delivery that spun sharply and bounced as he tried to defend it.

“The ball that he (Rahul) got out, that was the first ball which spun. And another thing is that, till then this ball was the slowest ball. The slow ball he was bowling, that ball spun a little more,” Kotak conceded.

However, Kotak believes the curators have provided a good wicket for batting.

“We have scored 318 for two and that says it is a good wicket. Where there is no grass on the wicket, there is a foot mark. Unless there is grass cover, there will be wear and tear. So that much variation is expected,” Kotak conceded.

“So the wicket what we see now, that is probably the same we expected. So on one side, naturally the wicket was used and there was less grass. Ball is moving a little more from there. But I think the wicket is good.”

Kotak clarified that India plans to bat once on this track, aiming to extend West Indies’ misery until tea on the second day before attacking with the ball in the final session.

“We will try and play at least couple of sessions and take it from there.”

(With inputs from PTI)