Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar and former Australian opener Justin Langer have both weighed in on the moment that led to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s unfortunate run-out in the ongoing fourth Test between India and Australia. Both believe that Jaiswal and Virat Kohli could have avoided the risky single that resulted in the crucial wicket for Australia.
Jaiswal, who had been in solid form with a knock of 82 off 118 balls, found himself well short of his crease after a mix-up with Kohli while attempting a quick single. Gavaskar, speaking on Star Sports, explained the key mistake, noting, “It would have been a quick run, and someone like Virat Kohli would definitely have made it. But the issue arose when he looked at the fielder. Once you take your eyes off the line, you lose that vital second and your balance is completely disrupted. It would have been a very tight run.”
He further questioned the decision, saying, “At that stage, why take a run that carries an element of risk? Runs were coming easily, and there was no need for that kind of risk.”
However, Gavaskar added that Kohli, due to his exceptional running ability, could have completed the run had he committed fully. “Only because Kohli is such a fantastic runner between the wickets could he have pulled it off,” he acknowledged.
Langer also voiced his concern over the risky call, highlighting the prowess of Australian captain Pat Cummins in the field. “It was a risky run, especially with someone like Pat Cummins, who is a brilliant athlete. Even if he hadn’t collected the ball cleanly, in his mind, he would have targeted the non-striker’s end. It would have been close, but it was a risky decision,” Langer said. “At that stage of the game, there was no need for it. India was on top, and they had control of the match. Even with Kohli’s speed, it was still too risky.”
The run-out triggered a familiar collapse in the Indian batting lineup, with India stumbling to 164/5 at stumps on Day 2. Australia’s first innings had ended at 474, leaving India trailing by 310 runs.
Gavaskar advised the Indian team to focus on building partnerships to try and reduce the deficit. “India needs to put their head down and try to get as close as possible to Australia’s total. Ravindra Jadeja, who batted well at the Gabba, needs to bring that same application here, while Rishabh Pant can be a match-changer,” he said. “India needs another 100-plus partnership to stay in the game.”
Looking ahead to Day 3, Gavaskar warned that Nathan Lyon, Australia’s experienced off-spinner, would come into play. “Lyon hasn’t had much of a role in this series so far, but the conditions now might suit him. Washington Sundar and Jadeja were getting the ball to grip and turn, and Lyon will enjoy bowling to the left-handers,” he said. “India needs to be careful, especially with three left-handers in the lineup.”
The former cricketer stressed the importance of India spending more time at the crease. “It’s not just about avoiding the follow-on; India needs to bat as long as possible. Even if they fall short of 274, Australia will not offer the follow-on. They’ll want to bat India out of the game.”
As the match progresses, India will need to regroup and recover from the collapse to keep themselves in the contest.
With inputs from PTI.
