Yashasvi Jaiswal will be a better batter after Australia tour: Ravi Shastri

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri reckons 'world-class' Yashasvi Jaiswal will return as a more polished batter from the Australia tour. Shastri is confident the young opener will rise above the challenges and further refine his game.

In Short

• Jaiswal shines with 1407 runs in 14 Tests, set to open with KL Rahul
• Shastri confident Jaiswal will leave Australian shores as a better player
• First five-match Test series between India and Australia since 1992

Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri, who masterminded India's historic Test series victories in Australia in 2018/19 and 2020/21, believes Yashasvi Jaiswal is set to leave the Australian shores as a more refined batter, regardless of how the tour unfolds. The former India coach confidently backed the young opener, describing him as "world-class" and predicting he will return from the series as a complete batter, regardless of the challenges he faces.

Jaiswal, hailed as one of Indian cricket's most promising talents, has made an explosive start to his Test career. The 21-year-old left-hander cemented his place in the team with a sensational series against England earlier this year, amassing over 700 runs, including two double-centuries. With 1407 runs in just 14 Tests at an average of 56.28, Jaiswal has established himself as India's second opener alongside captain Rohit Sharma.

The five-match Test series in Australia presents an opportunity for Jaiswal, especially with additional pressure in the absence of Rohit Sharma for the first Test. With Shubman Gill sidelined due to injury, Jaiswal is expected to open alongside KL Rahul. Despite his limited exposure to conditions resembling Australia—having played only two Tests in South Africa—Shastri is optimistic about Jaiswal's adaptability and hunger.

“I think he’ll be a better player when he leaves Australian shores. Already, he’s world-class,” Shastri said. “You saw what he did against England—just the freedom with which he plays. He’s come up the hard way, so you can see that hunger and passion, not just in his eyes but in the way he fields and stays involved in the game.”

Shastri acknowledged the unique challenges posed by Australian pitches, particularly the extra bounce at venues like Perth. However, he backed Jaiswal to embrace the conditions, predicting he would entertain once he settles. “If he can see that phase through, he will love these pitches. He scores freely and has the temperament to thrive in tough conditions,” Shastri added.

Australian great Adam Gilchrist, observing India’s training sessions in Perth, also issued a warning to the home side. “They look pumped. They look charged up and ready to turn it around, so look out, Australia,” Gilchrist said.

The series is historic, being the first five-match Test series between the two nations in over three decades, last played in 1992/93. With adequate rest built into the schedule, the teams are well-prepared for the demanding format of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.