Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s aggressive batting has been one of his biggest strengths in Test cricket.
But his three ball duck against Sri Lanka in the second innings of the Galle Test has raised a different question.
Jaiswal was dismissed by Asitha Fernando on the third ball of his innings on Day 4. He went after a delivery outside off but failed to control the shot, with the ball taking the bottom edge and going to wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella.
Jaiswal had already been dismissed for 32 in India’s first innings after a mix up with KL Rahul resulted in his run out.
His second innings dismissal was different, but the result was the same another early exit.
India needed quick runs while building a target for Sri Lanka, and Jaiswal was expected to play an attacking role. Instead, he was back in the dressing room after facing only three balls.
Jaiswal is still scoring quickly when the shot comes off, but he is getting out much more often while attempting it.
A false shot percentage of 48.1shows how much more risky the shot has become.
Jaiswal remains an important part of India’s Test batting setup. His ability to score quickly can change the direction of a Test match, especially when India are looking to put pressure on the opposition.
The answer is not to stop him from attacking. But he may need to be more selective about which deliveries he attacks, especially against pace outside the off stump.
India are already in control of the Galle Test after taking a big first innings lead. But with time also becoming important because of rain, they need their key batters to stay at the crease.
Jaiswal’s aggression is still his biggest weapon. The concern is whether he is now using it against himself.
