"One of the best batters": Sitanshu Kotak lauds Jaiswal
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak calls Yashasvi Jaiswal one of the best batters and advises him to remain patient amidst intense competition.
India's batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, has come out in strong support of young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, describing him as one of the finest talents in the current setup. Speaking ahead of India's first ODI against the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram, Kotak emphasized that Jaiswal's talent is undeniable, even as the player faces stiff competition for a permanent spot in the starting XI.
A Test of Patience and Skill
Despite Jaiswal's inclusion in the ODI squad for the upcoming West Indies series, his path to the top of the order remains blocked by the established combination of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Kotak acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, noting that high-level competition is a natural part of the game.
"I think there is so much competition and so many players are performing," Kotak told reporters. "Jaiswal, we all know he is one of the best batters, and whenever he gets an opportunity, he performs. So he is part of the team."
The coach highlighted that the support staff, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, is closely monitoring Jaiswal's development. The focus remains on refining his technical skills, maintaining rigorous practice routines, and building the mental fortitude required for international cricket.
The Reality of Selection Battles
Using an analogy to explain the selection process, Kotak noted that even the most talented players can find themselves on the sidelines due to the sheer depth of the Indian squad. He compared the situation to a team having three elite wicketkeepers but only one available slot in the playing eleven.
- Skill Development: The coaching staff is focused on his technical growth.
- Mental Preparedness: Maintaining the right mindset during periods of inactivity.
- Consistency: Jaiswal has a proven track record of delivering when called upon.
"It is not that somebody has been unfair to him," Kotak clarified. "He should keep working hard and waiting for the opportunity, and so far whenever he has been getting the opportunity, he has performed."
Jaiswal's Recent Journey
Jaiswal's recent stint has seen significant fluctuations. While he featured prominently in all three ODIs against Afghanistan on home soil, he was notably absent from the squad during the subsequent tour of England. As he prepares for the West Indies series, the young batter faces another crucial test of his resilience and readiness to stake his claim in the national side.