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Yashasvi Jaiswal discusses inspiration from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed an unbeaten 173 on day one of second Test (AP)
Star India cricketer Yashasvi Jaiswal has said that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have inspired an entire generation of players, including him and although he can’t fill their shoes, he would back his strengths to flourish in red-ball cricket.
With Rohit and Kohli stepping away from Tests, India’s batting lineup has entered a new era and Jaiswal has already demonstrated the skill and temperament to lead this transition with brilliant maturity for his age.
In an interview with JioHotstar, Jaiswal emphasised that replacing India’s two modern greats is not his goal or expectation. Instead, he sees this period as an opportunity to evolve as a cricketer while staying true to his own strengths.
“What Rohit Bhaiya and Virat Bhai have done in their careers is incredible. They’ve inspired an entire generation, including me. I see it as an opportunity to learn from them and do my best,” Jaiswal said.
“I know I can’t fill their shoes, but I’ll back my strengths and play with confidence,” Jaiswal added.
The young Indian batter has already shown that the transition need not be a rocky one. In India’s first Test series of the post-Kohli, post-Rohit era against England earlier this year, Jaiswal rose to the occasion and emerged as one of the standout performers.
Jaiswal wrapped up the 2025 England series with 411 runs in 10 innings at an average of 41.1, a campaign that showed both his brilliance and brief struggles. He opened the series with a commanding hundred and closed it with another, proving his knack for delivering in crucial moments.
Though he endured a six-innings lean patch in between, Jaiswal still finished with two hundreds and as many half-centuries, highlighting his resilience and ability to build on starts.
As India prepare for a challenging Test series against reigning World Test Champions South Africa, Jaiswal’s approach offers reassurance to the team management. He is not trying to emulate Rohit or Kohli, nor is he driven by comparisons. Instead, he is carving out his own identity, one defined by strength, discipline, intent and clarity of thought.
November 13, 2025, 22:50 IST
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