Yashasvi Jaiswal gets a cold preview of what’s in store for him in the New Zealand Tests

Yashasvi Jaiswal has a habit of announcing himself on his first big overseas assignments. Australia brought him 391 runs in five Tests, including a century and two half-centuries. On his first tour of England, he went one step further, scoring 411 runs in five Tests with two hundreds and two fifties.

New Zealand is the next challenge and the young Indian opener seems to be wasting little time getting used to the conditions that could test his technique and temperament.

Jaiswal, who is yet to play senior international cricket in New Zealand, has already had a taste of what lies ahead. Left handed smashed an unbeaten 155 for India A in the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A, helped his team to a draw on Tuesday. With the two-Test series against the senior New Zealand side starting on November 19, the knock could hardly have come at a better time.

Not being part of the ODI series also gave Jaiswal time to get used to the conditions. And his batting rating in New Zealand suggests he has paid close attention to the challenges that come with it.

“It’s very cold here. The ball moves a lot initially and there’s a lot of seam movement. And there are good bowlers who hit good areas regularly. So we have to wait a lot initially to run,” Jaiswal said.

Well played Jaiswal …. #INDAvsNZA #Jaiswal (@iamajayjangirr) November 3, 2026

The 23-year-old acknowledged that batting becomes a bit more comfortable as the ball ages and the pitch settles, though he was careful not to suggest that scoring is becoming straightforward.

“Then when the wicket improves or the ball gets old, it’s easy to make runs. I won’t say it’s easy, but you can play good shots. So it’s been a lot of fun and it feels good to play here. It’s a very different experience,” he added.

COLD WEATHER

The Indian opener was especially favored by the weather. After experiencing conditions in Australia and England, Jaiswal believes New Zealand offers a completely different proposition.

“New Zealand is a very different place (compared to) India, Australia, even England. Because it’s very cold here. If you look at the air, it’s been cloudy all day. Then the sun has come and gone for a while. That’s how it’s been for the last four days,” he said.

As Jaiswal prepares for his first international engagement in the country, he is also clear about the adjustments that need to be made. Rather than trying to force the tempo, he wants to stay close to the ball and trust his instincts.

“Mainly mentally, the closer I play to my body, the better. Go to the ball and play,” he explained.

But with all the technical adjustments, Jaiswal believes the biggest requirement is discipline.

“It’s not that easy… Just focus on the process, the routine, the discipline. I think you have to be very disciplined here,” he said.

After strong first impressions in Australia and England, Jaiswal will be hoping his early lessons in New Zealand translate into another productive overseas Test assignment. This time he has the edge.

– The end