Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Match-Like Net Sessions Before England Test 2025 Reveal Mental Toughness Behind Century at Leeds


In one of the most defining moments of India’s commanding opening day against England in the 1st Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, Yashasvi Jaiswal delivered a gritty century at Leeds. While fans celebrated his brilliant 101, what came after the match caught everyone’s attention—a revealing post-match conversation between Jaiswal and his long-time teammate Dhruv Jurel.

The chat, shared by the BCCI, offered cricket fans a glimpse into Jaiswal’s intense mindset and preparation style, including his unusual request for “match-like pressure in net sessions”—a reflection of his mental steel and hunger for performance.


India’s Dominant Start in the 1st Test

Before we dive into Jaiswal’s mindset, here’s a quick recap of Day 1:

  • Yashasvi Jaiswal: 101 (159 balls, 16 fours, 1 six)
  • Shubman Gill: 127* (captain’s knock on debut as skipper)
  • Rishabh Pant: 65* (aggressive, composed innings)

India closed Day 1 at 359/3, completely dominating the English bowling lineup on a pitch that offered little assistance to seamers. Despite losing the toss, India capitalized on a flat wicket with their young batting core rising to the occasion.


The Viral Post-Match Chat: Behind Jaiswal’s Hundred

Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal

In the post-day interview shared by the BCCI, Dhruv Jurel brought up a key moment from their past during an India A tour:

“When we were playing for India A, you told me you just have to score runs in England no matter what,” Jurel recalled.

This comment revealed how deeply ingrained Jaiswal’s determination was to succeed in English conditions—even long before stepping onto the field at Leeds.


Why Jaiswal Demanded “Match-Like Pressure” in Nets

According to Jurel, Jaiswal didn’t want regular practice sessions. He wanted realistic, high-pressure net sessions that mimicked match intensity.

Jaiswal confirmed:

“Even when the ball was moving a lot, I wanted the same challenge in the nets… that stubbornness makes the difference.”

This mindset isn’t common. Most players use net sessions to work on technique or loosen up. Jaiswal, however, insisted on facing bowlers like Harshit Rana and Jasprit Bumrah in full rhythm to simulate real-game adversity.

This approach enabled him to:

  • Improve shot selection under pressure
  • Build temperament for difficult sessions
  • Boost confidence to survive quality bowling attacks

Jaiswal’s Calm Mindset Off the Field

Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal

When Jurel asked what Jaiswal is like off the field, he smiled and said:

“I don’t do much. When I need to be serious, I stay serious. I focus on my preparation and try to keep my mind calm. That really helps me.”

This short quote sums up a modern Test cricketer’s ideal balance: aggression on the field, composure off it.


A Rare Feat: Test Centuries in West Indies, Australia & England

Jaiswal’s hundred at Leeds wasn’t just another ton—it extended an extraordinary personal milestone. At just 23, he has now scored centuries:

  • On Test debut in West Indies
  • During the tour of Australia
  • Now in England

This puts him in elite company, showing that he thrives not just at home but across continents—underlining his temperament, technique, and adaptability.


The Build-Up: Facing Bumrah & Rana in Nets

One of the most powerful moments in the post-match chat was when Jaiswal remembered an India A training session:

“Harshit Rana and Bumrah bhai were bowling really well. I wasn’t scoring easily, but I kept playing. That gave me confidence.”

He didn’t back away when scoring got tough. He stayed in the nets, committed to learning how to handle tough spells—a trait that translates beautifully into five-day cricket.


India’s Future: Jaiswal, Gill & Pant Lead the Way

Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal

This Test series marks a shift in Indian cricket:

  • Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are absent
  • A new leadership group is forming
  • The younger generation is being tested

With Gill’s captaincy debut, Pant’s return, and Jaiswal’s rise, India’s Test future looks well anchored. All three performed admirably:

  • Jaiswal set the tone
  • Gill remained calm and tactically aware
  • Pant played his natural counter-attacking role

Mental Toughness in Modern Cricket

Jaiswal’s story is more than technique or talent. It’s about mental preparation:

  • Visualizing pressure moments
  • Simulating adversity in nets
  • Building the habit of staying calm

Such habits aren’t just useful in cricket—they reflect elite-level sports psychology.


Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Overseas Test Centuries

Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal
OpponentLocationYearRuns ScoredMatch FormatRemark
West IndiesDominica2023171TestCentury on Test debut
AustraliaBrisbane2024103TestFirst ton in Australia
EnglandLeeds2025101TestCompleted set of overseas centuries

Key Quotes – Jaiswal and Jurel Post-Match Interview

SpeakerQuoteContext
Dhruv Jurel“You said you just have to score runs in England no matter what.”Reflecting on Jaiswal’s mindset pre-series
Yashasvi Jaiswal“Even when the ball was moving, I wanted that challenge in the nets.”On simulating match pressure in nets
Yashasvi Jaiswal“I try to stay calm and focus on my preparation.”On his off-field personality
Jaiswal“Facing Bumrah and Harshit Rana in nets built my confidence.”On India A practice sessions

India’s Top Performers – 1st Test vs England (Day 1)

PlayerRuns ScoredNot OutBalls Faced4s/6sBatting Position
Shubman Gill127Yes220+18/2#3 (Captain)
Yashasvi Jaiswal101No15916/1Opener
Rishabh Pant65Yes919/1Vice-captain

Jaiswal’s Preparation vs Performance

PhaseActivity/FocusOutcome
India A NetsFaced Bumrah and Harshit RanaBuilt confidence vs moving ball
Personal RoutineSimulated match pressure in solo net sessionsIncreased mental toughness
Match Day (Leeds)Applied lessons in tough conditionsScored 101 with 16 boundaries and 1 six
Off-field MindsetCalm, focused, minimal distractionsEnhanced concentration under pressure

Comparison – Jaiswal vs Other Indian Openers Overseas (Since 2023)

PlayerOverseas 100sCountries Scored InAverage AwayNotable Innings
Yashasvi Jaiswal3WI, AUS, ENG54.60171, 103, 101
Rohit Sharma1England35.45127 (Oval 2021)
Shubman Gill2AUS, BAN41.1091 (Gabba), 110 (Chattogram)

Fans React to the BCCI Interview

Cricket fans across platforms praised the honesty and insight from the interview.

“Love the humility and drive Jaiswal shows. Future legend!”
“Match pressure in nets? That’s Kobe Bryant stuff. Respect.”
“This generation of players is scary good AND humble.”

The video has since gone viral across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube, trending with hashtags like:

  • #Jaiswal
  • #INDvsENG
  • #AndersonTendulkarTrophy
  • #GillCaptaincy

Quick Stats: Jaiswal at a Glance

Match LocationOpponentRuns ScoredFormatYear
West IndiesWI171Test2023
AustraliaAUS103Test2024
England (Leeds)ENG101Test2025

Conclusion: A Glimpse of Greatness

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century against England is impressive—but the real story lies in his preparation. The desire to face “match-like pressure” in nets, his hunger to score in English conditions, and the mental clarity he carries make him one of India’s most promising Test batters.

His partnership with young leaders like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant hints at an exciting new chapter in Indian cricket.

If this is how the next generation prepares, then India’s cricketing future looks not just safe—but potentially dominant.


Read More: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/yashasvi-jaiswal-wanted-match-like-pressure-in-nets-india-teammate-reveals-openers-promise-before-1st-test-vs-england-101750485790922.html

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