Looking to add more to his game, Yashasvi Jaiswal is working on wicketkeeping with Mumbai

Yashasvi Jaiswal has sparked intrigue by adding a wicket to his repertoire, with the India Test opener seen working on his staying power ahead of the Ranji Trophy season in Mumbai.

Jaiswal was seen putting on the gloves in a video shared on his Instagram account. The 24-year-old is expected to start for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy opener against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, October 11.

While Jaiswal has established himself as a top-order batsman, his latest experiment behind the stumps has raised questions about his intentions. Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad has hinted that the opener is keen to add another dimension to his game, although he admitted he is unsure whether Jaiswal ultimately plans to fill the role on a regular basis.

“With Yashasvi, I feel he is trying hard to start keeping wickets. That’s what I heard from him. He wants to keep wickets for Mumbai or for the Indian team. That’s what he’s aiming for, that’s what I feel, but I’m not clear on that,” Lad said at a pre-season press conference in Mumbai.

Jaiswal has taken leg-spin earlier in the chips, though his bowling has not a regular part of his game with India. His decision to work on wicketkeeping appears to be another attempt to broaden his skill set.

ADDING ANOTHER SKILL

“He’s someone who started keeping goal training because he feels he wants to add something more to his game. I’m not too sure what his intentions are, but he’s training keeping goal right now and if he keeps training he’ll get used to it,” added Lad.

Jaiswal is also known to have kept wickets for around 10 overs during one of the practice matches in Mumbai ahead of the Ranji Trophy. Whether the experiment will develop into a regular role remains to be seen, but the Indian opener is clearly putting in the work to familiarize himself with the upkeep requirements.

EXPERIENCE TO THE GROUP

for Mumbai, Jaiswal’s presence provides significant support as they prepare for the new season. The team will be missing former captain Shardul Thakur while former skipper Ajinkya Rahane has retired from all forms of cricket ahead of the campaign.

Lad believes Jaiswal has much more to offer Mumbai than just his contribution with the bat, especially in a relatively young group of players.

“I think he is only available for the first game if I am not mistaken. But someone like Yashasvi does not just add performances but adds value to the team with his experience,” said Lad.

“He is someone who has done really well at the highest level. Sharing the dressing room with someone like Yashasvi also helps us with the youth and we are looking forward to that.”

For now, Jaiswal’s wicket remains an interesting addition rather than an established part of his game. But with the Ranji Trophy campaign getting underway in Mumbai, the opener seems keen to take the opportunity to expand his skill set and put another string on his bow.

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