Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has urged young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal to show greater caution against short-pitched bowling after a lukewarm start to the ongoing ODI series against South Africa. Jaiswal has managed scores of 18 and 22 in the first two matches, unable to convert his starts despite looking fluent early in his innings.
Srikkanth noted that bowlers have begun exploiting Jaiswal’s discomfort against the short ball and left-arm pace, and believes the left-hander must tighten up quickly. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said:
"Yes, going by the numbers, he has to be careful against bouncers. And against left-arm pacers, he needs to be wary. He looked good initially, but while Ruturaj seized his chance, Yashasvi let it slip. He’s an all-format player, and maybe Vizag will be his moment."
The 1983 World Cup winner added that Jaiswal doesn’t necessarily struggle with the bouncer, but needs to tweak his approach. He advised the youngster to shift his mindset and meet the short ball with intent rather than caution.
"I wouldn’t say he has a problem against the bouncer, it’s about adjustment. Everyone gets hit, but they also hit sixes. Analysts will tell him he’s being targeted there. He should be brave and go all-out. Instead of keeping it down, maybe scoop it or hit it over."
With India posting 349 and 358 in Ranchi and Raipur, Jaiswal remains the one top-order batter searching for runs. With the series tied 1–1, he will look to capitalise in the decider on December 6 at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam, where he continues to partner Rohit Sharma in the absence of regular ODI captain Shubman Gill.
