"Sachin once removed the drive from his game in Australia" - Proteas legend reflects on Yashasvi Jaiswal's struggles in IND vs SA 2025 Tests

South Africa's fast bowling legend Dale Steyn opined that Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal can take a lesson from Sachin Tendulkar as he looks to deal with his woes while playing the cut against left-arm pacers. Steyn stated that Jaiswal might have to refrain from playing the stroke just like Tendulkar did not play a cover drive during a Test in Australia as he was often getting out to it.

Jaiswal perished to Marco Jansen for 13 on Day 4 of the second Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, November 25. Yet again, the southpaw perished attempting the cut as he was caught behind. Jaiswal has got into trouble a number of times in recent innings while attempting the stroke. Many of his dismissals of late have also come against left-arm pace.

Speaking on Cricket Live, JioStar expert Steyn commented that Jaiswal needs to figure out a way to deal with his problems while playing the cut, particularly against left-armers. The former South Africa fast bowler said:

“It was a bit of a false shot by Jaiswal. It’s his default option - he likes playing that shot. He is probably so used to right-arm bowlers angling the ball across him that playing that shot feels natural. But with Marco Jansen being a left-armer, it looks like the ball will angle away and give him room, but very often it’s tighter than he expects."

Urging Jaiswal to take a leaf out of another Mumbai legend's book, Steyn added:

"When you see the ball in your zone, you go for it. But maybe it’s something he needs to consciously cut down on. I remember Sachin once removed the drive from his game in Australia. Jaiswal may also need to say, ‘Unless it’s in a specific area, I won’t play it. In this area, I’ll trust my defense'.”

Tendulkar famously did not play a single cover during his marathon knock of 241* against Australia in Sydney in January 2004. The Indian legend batted for 613 minutes and faced 436 balls, hitting 33 fours.

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"Maybe it was a lapse in concentration" - Anil Kumble on Rahul's dismissal on Day 4 of 2nd IND vs SA 2025 Test

Set to chase an improbable target of 549, India lost both their openers by stumps on Day 4 in Guwahati. While Jaiswal fell to Jansen, KL Rahul (6) was cleaned up by a peach from Simon Harmer. While applauding Harmer for his excellent delivery, Kumble told JioStar on Cricket Live that Rahul should have tackled the ball better by getting to the pitch of it. Expressing disappointment, he commented:

“It was a fantastic delivery by Simon, no doubt. But KL went for the shot without getting to the pitch of the ball. Because of the revolutions Simon Harmer puts on the ball, he got a bit of dip, and the line was perfect. Generally, on a fourth or fifth-day pitch with enough rough, you tend to cover all three stumps because lbw is unlikely from that angle. That’s why I was a bit surprised.

"KL Rahul is experienced. He did take center-stump guard, but his off-stump was still visible... Maybe it was a lapse in concentration. He thought it was drivable, but the ball dipped, credit to Harmer. He looked to drive and ended up falling to a perfect off-spinner’s dismissal," the former India captain concluded.

When stumps were called on Day 4 of the Guwahati Test, Sai Sudharsan was batting on two and Kuldeep Yadav on four. India are set to lose the series, but can avoid a 2-0 result if they manage to draw the ongoing Test.