Whenever Yashasvi needs guidance on his batting, he turns to Dravid.
“I got a message from Rahul Dravid sir. He wished me luck after my selection (for the India Test squad),” Yashasvi told TimesofIndia.com in an interview.
Ahead of the u-19 World Cup in 2020, Yashasvi had got the chance to learn about the game under Dravid’s tutelage at the NCA in Bangalore. The youngster had a bag full of tips from Dravid before he departed for South Africa for the mega event.
IANS Photo
He has come a long way since bagging the 2020 u-19 World Cup Player of the Series award. Yashasvi scored 400 runs at an average of 133.33 and also claimed 3 wickets in the mega event. He smashed a fighting 88 in the final. Unfortunately, India lost the title clash to Bangladesh by 3 wickets (DLS)
Now, the 21-year-old is set to live his long-time dream – wearing India Test whites. He has been included in the Test squad for the two-match series against the West Indies and is being tagged as a potential replacement for Cheteshwar Pujara at number 3 that the selectors and team management want to try out.
The opening Test will start from July 12 at Windsor Park in Dominica.
The young Mumbai batter earned the call-up after his stellar show in IPL 2023.
The southpaw was the fifth-highest run-getter and finished with 625 runs in 14 matches at an average of 48.08, with one century, and five fifties.
“I have so many things that I discuss with Rahul sir. One of his many tips – ‘Watch the ball closely’ has helped me a lot,” he had told TimesofIndia.com earlier.
“One ball at a time – this is the mantra I have learnt from Rahul sir. He always says – ‘treat every ball as important.’ He has solutions for everything. He is a great mentor. Honestly, my game has improved a lot because of his guidance,” Yashasvi further told TimesofIndia.com.
