Shubman Gill uncovers Rohit Sharma’s: In the realm of Test cricket, achieving a double century is a rare accomplishment, let alone accomplishing it twice consecutively. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made his India debut only last July in the West Indies, recently joined an elite club, becoming only the third Indian player, after Virat Kohli and Vinod Kambli, and the sixth overall to achieve this remarkable feat. At just 22 years old, Jaiswal also secured the distinction of being the third youngest player in cricket history to accomplish two double centuries, following in the footsteps of Sir Don Bradman and Vinod Kambli. However, amidst the jubilation surrounding his stellar performances against England in the ongoing Test series, one notable figure has remained relatively restrained in his praise: India captain Rohit Sharma.
Jaiswal’s exceptional run in the Test series against England has catapulted him into the spotlight. Following a near miss on a century in the series opener in Hyderabad, he showcased his prowess by notching up a record-breaking 209 in the second Test in Vizag, followed by an unbeaten 214 in Rajkot during the third Test. These remarkable innings collectively amassed more than 500 runs for Jaiswal in the series, establishing him as a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. Former cricketers worldwide have lauded his performances, with some drawing comparisons to legends like Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virender Sehwag. Even Kevin Pietersen, renowned for his astute observations, declared that Jaiswal possesses “no weakness,” a statement that reverberated across the cricketing community.
Despite the overwhelming praise and accolades showered upon Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma’s response has been notably measured. In both Vizag and Rajkot, the Indian captain refrained from effusive commendation, instead emphasizing the importance of Jaiswal maintaining humility and composure amidst the fervent discussions surrounding his achievements. This deliberate restraint from Rohit Sharma prompted speculation and curiosity among cricket enthusiasts, prompting teammate Shubman Gill to shed light on the underlying rationale.
Addressing the media ahead of the fourth Test in Ranchi, Gill dismissed suggestions of a deliberate effort from the team management to downplay Jaiswal’s achievements. He lauded Jaiswal as a “sensational player” and highlighted his extraordinary feat of back-to-back double centuries, emphasizing that such accomplishments speak volumes about Jaiswal’s exceptional talent and skill. Gill suggested that Rohit Sharma’s silence may have stemmed from a desire to focus on the team’s collective objectives during the series, indicating that discussions regarding Jaiswal’s performances might be reserved for a later time.
“I don’t think there’s a problem with the youngsters being not humble. We have seen Jaiswal scoring back-to-back double hundreds. If you don’t have it in you, you won’t be able to score back-to-back double tons. There aren’t many people in the world who have scored back-to-back double hundreds in Test cricket. So he definitely is a sensational player. We have seen it. I think he’s played around eight or nine Tests. We have seen it in him. I don’t think there’s any conscious decision. Maybe Rohit bhai didn’t want to talk about it at that point of time,” Gill remarked, shedding light on the team’s perspective.
Jaiswal’s remarkable contributions with the bat have been instrumental in India’s performance against England. With a staggering 545 runs in six innings, he stands on the cusp of rewriting history, poised to surpass Virat Kohli’s record of 655 runs in a Test series against England set in 2016/17. If Jaiswal manages to add 111 more runs over the next two matches, he will etch his name in the annals of cricketing lore as the highest run-scorer by an Indian batter in a Test series against England.
As the cricketing world marvels at Jaiswal’s prodigious talent and unparalleled achievements, the reticence surrounding Rohit Sharma’s response offers a compelling narrative. While the captain’s measured approach may seem enigmatic at first glance, it underscores a deeper commitment to team ethos and collective success. Amidst the fervor of individual accolades, Rohit Sharma’s focus on unity and humility serves as a poignant reminder of the values that define the spirit of cricket. As the series progresses, all eyes remain on Jaiswal as he continues to rewrite the script of cricketing history, with each stroke of his bat resonating with the promise of a bright future for Indian cricket.
