IND vs ENG: 'He has the game for it,' Ajinkya Rahane backs Yashasvi Jaiswal to shine on England tour

Rahane Backs Jaiswal to Excel in England Test Series

Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has voiced his support for opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, expressing confidence in his abilities ahead of India's five-match Test series in England. The series is scheduled to commence at Headingley this Friday. This endorsement follows recent reports of a possible disagreement between the two Mumbai teammates during the previous Ranji Trophy season.

Rahane, who last represented India two years ago against the West Indies, shared his insights on the upcoming series and key players through his YouTube channel.

"Personally, I'm really looking forward to seeing Yashasvi Jaiswal do well because opening the batting in England is really important," Rahane stated. "He has the game for it — he can control one end and also go on the attack when needed. So I'm really looking forward to seeing Jaiswal perform in England."

Reports in April alluded to a potential rift between Jaiswal and Rahane after Mumbai's defeat to Jammu and Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy. Since his Test debut in the Caribbean in July 2023, Jaiswal has consistently been India's preferred choice as an opener.

Rahane also highlighted the crucial role of the pace bowling attack in the series. "I also want to see Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah do well because, as senior campaigners, they have the responsibility to lead the attack and pick up wickets for the team."

"We all know Bumrah is an excellent bowler and a proven wicket-taker, but I'd like to see him take that extra responsibility and help the team get through challenging situations, because winning a Test series in England is always very special."

India's Test record in England shows only three series victories, achieved in 1971, 1986, and 2007, since the commencement of bilateral engagements in 1932.

Shubman Gill will lead the Indian team in this series, and Rahane commented on the young captain's new responsibility. "I think it's going to be a challenging task for Shubman because in Test cricket I always believe you have to be proactive as a captain. I'm sure Shubman will do well, but it will take time because captaining in T20s and ODIs is completely different."

"In the Test format, sometimes you have to stay one or two steps ahead of your opponents, talk to your bowlers, and plan things with them. So, it's going to be a challenging task for him, but I'm sure he will do well as both a skipper and a batter."

Rahane, who captained India to a memorable Test series victory in Australia in 2020-21, believes the current team possesses the potential to succeed in English conditions.