"Rohit Sharma helps me maintain a positive frame of mind": Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal (Pic: AFP)

India's emerging player Yashasvi Jaiswal has admitted that the South Africa series was a challenging one for him. He also mentioned that Indian skipper Rohit Sharma helped him maintain a positive mindset.

In the two-match Test series between India and South Africa, the left-hander was only able to score 50 runs in four innings on bounce friendly wickets like at Supersport Park in Centurion and Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town. The series ended in a 1-1 draw.

"Rohit Sharma helps me maintain a positive frame of mind and we needed to score runs quickly against new ball," said Jaiswal after his quickfire 28 off 23 balls set the tone during India's chase of 79.

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"I just wanted to give a good start and that was all there in my mind as we had to win the match. In the last 3 innings and even in this knock, I had done the same thing."

Yashasvi is quite aware of the improvement he needs with regard to tackling bounce and lateral movement off the surface.

"Yes, this tour has been a learning experience for me. Different environment and in every sense it has been an enjoyable experience. Learnt about improvements I need to make," Jaiswal said.

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"The ball comes differently here and I tried giving my all but I accept there were challenges. This experience will keep me in good stead as I am learning and would strive to improve during the next series."

Jaiswal politely rebutted when asked if he would maintain his attacking style of batting in the upcoming Test series against England starting January 25 in Hyderabad.

"There's no particular style I want to adhere to and it's not that I have an attacking game only. I can change my game as per team's demands," he said.

"I would bat differently if it's the first day and differently if it's the final session and 70 runs needed. I try to change my game as per the team's needs."

The 22-year-old receives regular tips from his senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli about how to tweak his game according to the circumstances. Head coach Rahul Dravid also spoke to him about specific technical aspects.

"Rahul sir told me in challenging conditions if you get beaten or get hit and still batting out there then you are doing well. How to leave deliveries from length, which deliveries to play," he said.

But what has been the best advice from coach? "Basically, he wants me to bat freely and always with a smile."

(With PTI Inputs)