‘He will never be Sai Sudharsan’: legendary bowler slams Yashasvi Jaiswal’s approach during IND vs ENG 5th Test

The final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at the Oval started with bowling conditions of the series available for the fast bowlers, and England made sure they made good use of it by reducing India to 204/6.

After being asked to bat first, India got off to a disappointing start as Yashasvi Jaiswal was trapped lbw on 2(9). The dismissal came courtesy of Gus Atkinson, who angled in a good length delivery from around the wicket to hit Jaiswal's front pad, sending him back early.

At number 3, Sai Sudharsan looked composed in the testing conditions for his 38(108), showing his solid technique and temperament.

Follow The Sporting News India on WhatsApp

Former India bowler Ravichandran Ashwin went on to compare the style of play of both Jaiswal and Sudharsan and addressed what sets the two batters apart.

Here's what he had to say.

READ MORE: MS Dhoni to WCL 2026? WCL owner reveals his wish to rope in MS Dhoni

Ravichandran Ashwin compares Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan's batting styles

Reflecting on Day 1 action at the Oval on his YouTube channel (Ash Ki Baat), Ashwin spoke about the differing techniques of the two Indian left-handed batters.

The former India cricketer believed that the opener goes into his shots with hard hands, unlike Sai Sudharsan and thought Jaiswal looked indecisive to the Atkinson delivery that got him into the awkward position.

"He [Jaiswal] goes with hard hands, Jaiswal even in the Aussie series tapered off during the back half — Jaiswal can never be a Sai Sudharsan. Yesterday, he was indecisive, and he didn't really have the game to counter those conditions," said Ashwin.

READ MORE:  Chris Woakes likely to miss rest of 5th Test vs India after shoulder injury

"Jaiswal will never be able to have soft hands. I have seen his defence in Tests, he defends not with the perfect sense of soft hands — he should do that, but it will take some time."

"Jaiswal is a flamboyant player and his strength in white-ball cricket will turn into weakness in these conditions, but what sets him apart from a lot of other people is his hunger for runs and Sai Sudharsan's strength is his temperament and how he learns — Jaiswal cannot be Sai Sudharsan but Jaiswal can be Jaiswal with a better version," he concluded.

While crediting Jaiswal's hunger for runs that has been on display throughout his short international career, the off-spinner reckoned that mental fatigue after a long series must have played a part in his dismissal in the first innings.

He suggested the batter to play late, considering he has to play the new ball as an opener and did not think it is a massive problem for him.

Having spent time with the 23-year-old with both India and Rajasthan Royals, the 38-year-old pointed out how Jaiswal goes into the preparation with a great attitude, appetite for runs and hunger to learn.

How has Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan performed in England 2025?

Jaiswal started the England series with a century at Headingley; however, he has only managed 293 runs in the 7 innings of the series.

In his 5 innings, Sudharsan has scored 129 runs with the help of a fifty in Manchester.