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

Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has voiced his support for Yashasvi Jaiswal ahead of India's five-match Test series against England. The series is set to commence at Headingley this Friday. Rahane's endorsement comes despite previous rumors of a rift between the two Mumbai teammates during the last 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 earlier in the year suggested a fallout 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 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 has historically found Test success in England challenging, with only three series victories in 1971, 1986, and 2007 since bilateral engagements commenced in 1932.

Shubman Gill will lead the Indian team in this series. 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, expressed confidence that the current team possesses the potential to achieve success in English conditions.