Sometimes, a few words can change everything. That’s exactly what happened on Day 3 of the Oval Test, when Rohit Sharma’s message gave Yashasvi Jaiswal the push he needed to play one of the most important innings of his career.
Earlier in the day, Rohit Sharma visited the dressing room and shared a few words with Yashasvi Jaiswal. The instruction was concise: “Give yourself licence to play your natural game.” With India set to post a competitive total and negotiate a 374-run target for England, that message gave Jaiswal the confidence to bat freely.
With that boost in confidence, Jaiswal went on to deliver a match-defining performance. He crafted a convincing 118 during India’s second innings, combining flair with resilience as he steered India past the psychological barrier of a massive target:
- Runs: 118
- Impact: Helped India build a daunting total of 396
- Result: India set a challenging 374-run target for England to chase on a pitch offering assistance to fast bowlers.
His innings injected belief into the lineup, setting up a tense final day of action.
Not only did Jaiswal score big, but he did so under clear pressure in an important Test. With hopes of a series turnaround, his courage and execution underlined how crucial mental composure is in Test cricket—especially when chasing challenging totals.
Rohit’s experience shone through in that moment. He didn’t give Jaiswal a long lecture—just a reminder to trust himself. That simple bit of encouragement turned into one of India’s most important knocks of the series.
After his innings, Jaiswal revealed what Rohit had told him:
when i Saw him i said Hi
“I saw Rohit bhai and said hi”He gave me the message to keep playing,” Jaiswal said. “That gave me confidence. I just focused on my game, and it worked.”
| What Rohit Gave | What Jaiswal Delivered |
|---|---|
| Confidence | 118 runs with authority |
| Freedom to attack | Controlled but fearless batting |
| Big-match mindset | Shifted momentum in India’s favor |
With England needing their second-highest run chase in Test history, Jaiswal’s ton has given India the upper hand. More than that, it showed how leadership and belief from senior players can lift young talent when it matters most.
This partnership between Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal wasn’t just on the field—it was mental, strategic, and emotional.
It showed that Test cricket is as much about the right headspace as it is about skill. This moment at The Oval stands as a reminder that belief, when delivered at the right time, can turn a great innings into a match-winning one.
