Former India spinner Anil Kumble believes that Yashasvi Jaiswal will hold the key for India with the bat in the first innings of the ongoing second Test in Guwahati.
After South Africa reached a massive total of 489 in their first innings on Day 2, Kumble feels the hosts must stay focused and bat for as long as possible, as the pitch is good for scoring.
In a conversation with JioStar, Kumble said, “For India, this is a must-win Test. They’ve had six tough sessions, and they’ll be thinking about how they can bat through the next two days. If India can control the third and fourth days, they’ll put themselves in a position to think about the second innings.”
Kumble also explained how the pitch might change, saying, “I certainly expect a little more wear and tear, and I’m sure the spinners will come into play tomorrow.
That said, it will still be a good surface to bat on—runs won’t be hard to come by.”
The former leg-spinner also highlighted the importance of Jaiswal at the top and suggested that the Indian opener should negotiate the first spell of Marco Jansen on Day 3.
“Yashasvi will have a role, but not necessarily right at the start. He needs to settle in and get used to the conditions… If he can get through the first 30–45 minutes and negotiate Jansen’s early spell, we’ll see the dominant version of Jaiswal we know. He’ll certainly look to take on the spinners,” he said.
At the end of Day 2, India trail by 480 runs without losing a wicket.
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