Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has revealed that this is just the 'start' from him as he further revealed that skipper Rohit Sharma's words ahead of the first Test were a source of inspiration. (More Cricket News)
The southpaw scored a record-breaking century on debut as he is still at the crease batting on 143 as he helped India extend their first innings lead by 162 runs and take a firm grip over the West Indies in the first Test.
"This is just the start of my career... Koshish yeh karoonga ki main kitna lamba leke jaa sakta hoon (My effort will be to see how far would I be able to take it from here)," Jaiswal said in the post-match media interaction.
Jaiswal reached the century in 215 balls with Rohit playing a big support as the newest opening pair for India put together 229 runs. It was also the highest opening partnership for India against the West Indies in Tests, overtaking the 159-run stand between Virender Sehwag and Wasim Jaffer in 2006 Gros Islet Test.
"We spoke a lot. All the time, he (Rohit bhai) kept telling me from where do I get my runs from, and how to negotiate the bowlers," he said.
"Before the game also there was a lot of discussion. He told me 'you have to do it, you are the only person', I kept thinking about that and how I can get my runs. I've learnt a lot from this game, hope to continue."
"It makes a big difference when your legend players in the team talk to you, I try to pick their brains. We (Rohit bhai and I) had a good communication going."
Yashasvi Jaiswal has had a fairytale journey so far as the came up the ranks in Mumbai cricket after migrating from Uttar Pradesh. Having impressed in Under-19 cricket and in the IPL where in the 2023 season he became the fourth youngest batter to score a maiden century.
In absence of the injured KL Rahul, Jaiswal was picked for the West Indies tour and got to open the innings with Shubman Gill dropping down to No. 3.
The youngster grabbed the opportunity with both hands and became the 17th Indian batter to smash a century on Test debut. With 143 not out, Jaiswal also became the highest rungetter for India on Test debut outside Asia, surpassing Sourav Ganguly (131 vs England, Lord's)
"Of course, it was very emotional for me and my family, this is to everyone who supported me through thick and thin. It's been a long journey. I want to thank everyone who helped me at some point of time," he said.
"It feels great. It was an emotional moment, I enjoyed it a lot, I'm still unbeaten, will try to keep playing."
"I want to dedicate this to my parents who have played a big role in my life and God is also there. I don't want to talk much. It's just the start, I just want to keep going from here."
"It's about how I prepare myself mentally and of course fitness is very important that I follow a lot to remain in good shape and practice accordingly. While playing, I bat depending on the scenario."
Asked whether he would eye a double century, he said: "I will try to give the team a good start. I will just keep my focus on the process. I will try to do my best."
(With PTI inputs)
