Yashasvi Jaiswal shared details of his conversation with Rohit Sharma, who attended Day 3’s play at The Oval.
Jaiswal’s Explosive Century Shifts Momentum in India’s Favor
India’s commanding position in the fifth Test at The Oval was largely built on Yashasvi Jaiswal’s exhilarating century—his fourth overseas Test hundred and second in this series. Coming in after India conceded a narrow 23-run deficit, Jaiswal launched a counter-attack on a challenging Day 3 pitch to seize control. His aggressive 118 off 164 balls was marked by flair and resilience, aided by three fortunate drops, but more importantly, his relentless pressure on England’s seamers helped India dominate the session.
Opening the innings with KL Rahul after England’s dramatic collapse on Day 2, Jaiswal quickly adapted to conditions. Despite losing Rahul early, he unleashed an impressive array of strokes on a pitch that had flattened slightly yet still offered movement. His intelligent shot selection proved key as he carved out his century, reached with a single off Gus Atkinson, sparking loud cheers and heartfelt celebrations acknowledging the crowd and his family.
Adding to the moment was the presence of former Test captain Rohit Sharma, who watched an Indian Test live for the first time since retiring. After stumps, Jaiswal shared a brief but meaningful exchange with Rohit Sharma: “I saw Rohit bhai and said hi. He gave me the message to keep playing,” he revealed.
Having opened alongside Rohit Sharma since his Test debut nearly two years ago, Jaiswal shares a strong bond with the former captain both on and off the field, a relationship that continues to inspire the young star.
‘Keep getting messages from senior players’
At just 23, Yashasvi Jaiswal has already benefited immensely from learning alongside India’s seasoned greats. “I think that’s how you need to plan your game. I need to plan my innings, know where my shots are, and where I’m going to score runs,” he explained. “Playing with seniors like Rohit Bhai and Virat Bhai has helped me grow a lot—not just as a player but as a person—seeing how they prepare and perform in Test cricket.”
Jaiswal’s century seemed inevitable once he settled at the crease, displaying poise and control. However, his innings ended with a moment he may later regret: attempting a well-timed upper cut off Josh Tongue— a shot that had served him well all innings—he missed the gap and was caught by Jamie Overton at third man.
