Yashasvi Jaiswal Faces Leadership Test in England Without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Says Coach

In the world of cricket, challenges often forge champions. For young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, the upcoming five-match Test series against England, starting June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, is not just another tour—it’s a defining moment. Without the guiding presence of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the 23-year-old must anchor India’s batting lineup and play with a maturity beyond his years, according to his childhood coach Jwala Singh.

Jaiswal’s journey to this point is nothing short of inspiring. At 21, he announced his arrival on the international stage with a stunning 171-run knock on debut against West Indies in Roseau in 2023. A nervy start saw him miss a reckless pull shot off Kemar Roach, only for captain Rohit Sharma to walk over with words of wisdom. Composed, Jaiswal survived early jitters, getting off the mark with a bold upper-cut for four off Alzarri Joseph. What followed was a masterclass, guided by seniors who steadied his nerves with timely advice and calm assurance. Later, during the Australia tour, he emerged as India’s highest run-scorer, further cementing his reputation as a dependable batter.

However, England presents a unique test. For the first time, Jaiswal will don the role of a senior opener in a batting unit missing its legendary pillars. Under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, whose recent form has been inconsistent, India’s youthful squad faces an uphill battle. As Jwala Singh told TimesofIndia.com, ‘When Yashasvi batted with Rohit, he had constant guidance. Even Virat would’ve chipped in. Now, with Shubman as captain and no clear guiding force in the lineup, it’s a different unit. I’m excited to see how this group manages its aggression and plans for tough conditions.’ The absence of experienced campaigners means Jaiswal must blend his natural attacking flair with caution and responsibility.

England’s home record in Test cricket is formidable, with their aggressive Bazball approach—spearheaded by coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes—redefining the format. India, historically, has struggled on English soil, with their last Test series win dating back to 2007 under Rahul Dravid. Before that, memorable triumphs came in 1971 under Ajit Wadekar and 1986 under Kapil Dev. Add to this the unpredictable English weather and swinging conditions, and the challenge for Jaiswal becomes even steeper. ‘England is always a tough place to tour,’ Jwala noted. ‘The weather changes constantly, rain is a factor, and pitches demand adaptability. India has done homework by arriving early and playing India A matches, but understanding conditions will be key.’ With England’s pace attack likely to include James Anderson (if fit), Jofra Archer, and Mark Wood, Jaiswal’s technique and temperament will be tested like never before.

Yet, Jwala remains optimistic about his protégé’s ability to rise to the occasion. Known for explosive starts and a high strike rate, Jaiswal has built a reputation as an attacking opener. But will his high-risk, high-reward style work in England’s testing conditions? ‘Bazball is about intent and aggression, but in five-day cricket, technique still matters,’ Jwala cautioned. ‘In Australia, Yashasvi had seniors to lean on, giving him freedom to play shots. This time, the responsibility is greater. He must play sensible cricket, win sessions for India, and anchor the innings.’ The coach also revealed Jaiswal’s rigorous preparation, including sessions with plastic sheets to simulate uneven bounce and facing sidearm specialists bowling at 160-170 kmph—faster than even Jofra Archer—to sharpen his pull shots. ‘That hard work paid off in the IPL after a rough patch, and I hope it helps him tackle swing in England,’ Jwala added.

With the batting lineup heavily reliant on him—much like it once was on greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and later Virat Kohli—Jaiswal’s role is pivotal. Questions remain about who will open alongside him, with names like Abhimanyu Easwaran, KL Rahul, and Sai Sudharsan in contention. Meanwhile, the young Indian side, led by Gill, aims to create history on a ground where India famously chased down 325 in the 2021 Test at Headingley under Kohli’s leadership. Jwala summed up the stakes: ‘Taking over from legends like Rohit and Virat is a big ask. Yashasvi is now one of the senior batters, and I’m confident he’ll score runs. His role is extremely important.’ As the series approaches, all eyes are on this rising star to see if he can answer England’s fire with fire—or temper it with caution for India’s cause.