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

Rahane Backs Jaiswal to Shine in England Test Series

Ajinkya Rahane and Yashasvi Jaiswal

Former Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane has voiced his support for opener Yashasvi Jaiswal ahead of India's crucial five-match Test series against England. The series is scheduled to commence at Headingley on Friday. Rahane's endorsement comes amidst earlier reports of a supposed 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 about the forthcoming series and its key players via his YouTube channel.

"Personally, I'm really looking forward to seeing Yashasvi Jaiswal do well because opening the batting in England is really important. 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."

Speculation arose in April regarding a potential rift between Jaiswal and Rahane following 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 opener.

Rahane also highlighted the significance of India's 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 historical Test record in England reveals limited success, with only three series victories recorded in 1971, 1986, and 2007 since bilateral contests began in 1932.

Shubman Gill is set to lead the Indian team in this series, and Rahane commented on the young captain's new role. "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 squad possesses the potential to excel in English conditions.