IND vs SA 2025: 'I know I can’t fill their shoes, but I’ll back my strengths' - Yashasvi shares views on carrying Kohli, Rohit's legacy forward

Published - 13 Nov 2025, 23:23 IST | Updated - 13 Nov 2025, 23:44 IST

Yashasvi Jaiswal made his international debut in 2023 in a Test series against the West Indies. He got off to a fantastic start, smashing a century in his maiden innings. Since then, the southpaw hasn't looked back, scoring runs around the world in all conditions against quality bowling attacks.

He has already aggregated 2428 runs in 26 Tests at an average of 51.66 and a strike rate of 66.43. The Mumbai batter has registered 12 fifties and seven centuries. He has two double centuries to his name, which came against England.

However, Yashasvi knows he has a long way to go before matching the levels of Indian stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. In a recent interview ahead of the two-match Test series against South Africa, the opening batter said that he will look to learn from the two former India captains and back his strengths going forward.

“What Rohit Bhaiya and Virat Bhai have done in their careers is incredible. They’ve inspired an entire generation, including me. I see it as an opportunity to learn from them and do my best. I know I can’t fill their shoes, but I’ll back my strengths and play with confidence,” Yashasvi said while speaking exclusively to JioHotstar.

Yashasvi will be high on confidence after performing well against England in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy and the subsequent home series against the West Indies.

On the England tour, he scored 411 runs in 10 innings at an average of 41.10. Yashasvi registered two fifties and as many centuries as India drew 2-2. Meanwhile, against the West Indies, the 23-year-old finished as the highest run-getter, scoring 219 runs in three innings at an average of 73.

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Yashasvi will have an important role to play in the series against World Test Champions South Africa. The Suriya-born will look to get the Asian giants off to some solid starts with KL Rahul at the top of the order.