'Yes, it's going to be a test for Yashasvi Jaiswal' - Sunil Gavaskar opens up on South Africa challenge for young Indian opener

Young Indian sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal braces himself for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, and Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary cricketer, has expressed confidence in Jaiswal's potential to make a mark in the series.

Gavaskar, in his characteristic insightful manner, commended Jaiswal's technique, highlighting his ability to play the ball 'very late' and exercise patience before attempting ambitious shots. 

“Yes, it's going to be a test for him. But I do believe that he has got the capability to thrive in these conditions too. What I have seen of him in Test matches is that he plays the ball very late, his head is very still, he gets into the line quite nicely. He is not looking to rush at the ball. He plays it very late, he loves to give himself time in the middle,” Gavaskar was quoted as saying on Star Sports.

The cricket maestro further praised Jaiswal's proficiency in handling the short ball and his fearless approach in playing the pull shot. Emphasizing the significance of the initial 12 overs, especially with the Kookaburra ball in play, Gavaskar advised,

"He is a good player of the short ball, he is not afraid to play the pull shot. I think, when the Kookaburra ball is used in places like South Africa and Australia, the first 12 overs are important, because the ball does nothing after that. If you survive 12 overs, then nobody can get you out if you are a good batter."

Jaiswal, who made his Test debut against the West Indies in July, showcased his prowess by amassing an impressive 266 runs from two matches, boasting an average of 88.66. The highlight of his debut was a stellar performance in the opening Test, where he scored 171 runs, securing the third-highest individual score by an Indian batter on their Test debut.

The opening Test between India and South Africa is scheduled to kick off on December 26 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion and fans would be eager to see how Jaiswal tackles the tough conditions of South Africa.