Speaking to the Indian press ahead of the first Test, Rohit confirmed that Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been in remarkable form across formats in domestic cricket, will join Shubman Gill as the opening batsman. Gill, who previously partnered with Rohit in the World Test Championship final, will now move down to the number three position.
Jaiswal, a talented 21-year-old left-handed batsman, boasts an impressive average of 80.21 in first-class cricket and has scored an astonishing nine centuries in just 15 matches.
In the 2023 IPL season, Jaiswal stood out among players of all ages, maintaining an average of 48.07 and a striking rate of 163.61. Three years ago, he emerged as the highest run-scorer in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup, earning the title of Player of the Tournament despite India losing to Bangladesh in the final.
With Jaiswal\’s inclusion in the team, Gill has been shifted down the batting order after discussions with India\’s head coach Rahul Dravid. Gill, who has opened for India in all 16 of his Test appearances so far, will now have the opportunity to establish himself in the number three position, especially with Cheteshwar Pujara being overlooked following India\’s defeat to Australia in the World Test Championship final.
