Team India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal said that domestic cricket is an essential part of his growth ahead of the two-match Test series against South Africa. The left-handed batsman, who is set to play for Mumbai in the upcoming match, stated that playing in the Ranji Trophy is a choice for him and not a compulsion.
Jaiswal is set to rejoin Mumbai for their Ranji Trophy clash against Rajasthan at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, starting on November 1. He will get match practice ahead of the bilateral series against South Africa. The left-handed batsman was part of the Australia ODI series but didn’t get a chance in the XI.
Ranji Isn’t Just A Stepping Stone to the Indian Team – Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal emphasized that his participation in the Ranji Trophy is a choice rather than a compulsion. The southpaw stated that domestic cricket has shaped his career. Jaiswal also expressed pride in representing Mumbai, saying he remains committed to contributing to the team.
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“Ranji isn’t just a stepping stone to the Indian team, it plays a big role in a player’s growth. Domestic cricket teaches you how to build an innings, handle different situations, stay patient for long periods and respect the game,” Jaiswal told TOI.
“It is a matter of pride to play for Mumbai. So whenever the schedule allows, I try to make sure I’m there to contribute,” he added.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Last Played for Mumbai in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy
Yashasvi Jaiswal last played for Mumbai in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy against Jammu & Kashmir, where he scored 4 and 26 as Mumbai lost by five wickets. In April, Jaiswal sought an NOC from the Mumbai Cricket Association to move to Goa, who had offered him the captaincy.
However, he later changed his mind, citing that his family’s relocation plans had been dropped, and expressed his desire to continue representing Mumbai. The MCA accepted his request to withdraw the NoC in June.
His most recent domestic appearance came in August when he played for West Zone in the Duleep Trophy in Bengaluru. Mumbai began their new Ranji season with a win over Jammu & Kashmir, but persistent rain affected their next home fixture against Chhattisgarh.
India to Host South Africa in Two-Match Test Series From November 14
India’s upcoming two-Test series against South Africa will begin on November 14 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Yashasvi Jaiswal decided to play the Ranji Trophy ahead of the home series following the BCCI’s directive for contracted players to participate in domestic cricket.
The opening batter made his Test debut in 2023, and Jaiswal has quickly established himself as one of India’s most reliable openers. He has scored 2,428 runs in 26 matches at an average above 51, with seven hundreds and 12 half-centuries.
Jaiswal also has an impressive domestic record. According to ESPNcricinfo, he has 4,520 runs in 46 First-Class games at an average of 56.50, including 16 centuries and 16 half-centuries, with a highest score of 265.
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