There is no denying the fact that majority of the people were surprised when Jayant Yadav replaced Amit Mishra in the playing XI for the second Test at Vizag. Not a proven performer in the domestic circuit, his credentials were not far from guaranteeing a spot in the 15-man squad of the world No. 1 team let alone making it to the playing eleven. Four runs and four wickets in eight Indian Premier League matches did little to impress others. But probably, they were enough to impress the people who mattered. He was selected in India A squad that played two Tests in Australia and it was on that tour that the Haryana all-rounder showed the world that he has the game to thrive at the highest level of the game. His scores in three innings read 11*, 48 and 26 but more importantly it came in those situations when the team was in dire need of runs. On pitches that had enough bounce for fast bowlers to terrorise the best in the business, Jayant showed remarkable composure and probably that was the series that turned his fortunes.
And now India captain Virat Kohli has now revealed the reason behind the team management’s decision to pick an inexperienced Jayant Yadav ahead of some seasoned campaigners. Kohli said the team is trying to bring those talents in the team who have the game to succeed at the international level.
Speaking at the post-match conference after his team thrashed England by an innings and 36 runs, Kohli said:“Jayant’s hundred was outstanding. At one stage, even though I was on 140 or something, he was outscoring me. It shows the belief he has in his game. So if you can get guys like that, identify them, get them in the international circuit immediately. Also, you need to identify the guys who have the game to succeed at the international level and not necessarily wait for them to have three good seasons of first-class cricket.
“Also, you need to identify the guys who have the game to succeed at the international level and not necessarily wait for them to have three good seasons of first-class cricket. If you see Jayant’s record in first-class cricket, his wickets and runs won’t shock you or mesmerise you but here he is. He knows his game perfectly well and that’s what we are trying to do,” he added.
Well, one can say the team will be mighty pleased with the start in their pursuit of searching new talents. After only three matches, Jayant has become a spin bowler that every team would love to have and a lower-order batsman they would hate to see at the crease. The soft-spoken all-rounder has accumulated 221 runs at an average of 73.66 along with nine wickets and has become the perfect player who suits team’s five bowlers strategy.
Speaking on the importance of all-rounders, Kohli said:“Even with the fast bowling all-rounders, we are trying how to get them into the side which we think is going to be the key when we tour away. It’s very important to have the right kind of balance which the other teams have had for a long time. Someone like Ben Stokes or Moeen Ali, they have played perfect all-rounders for them all over the world. That makes a massive difference. It gives the captain an extra option which is as good as playing 12 people on the field.”