Yashasvi Jaiswal wants to add more to his game, working on wicketkeeping with Mumbai

Yashasvi Jaiswal has sparked intrigue by adding wicketkeeping to his repertoire, with the India Test opener spotted working on his keeping skills ahead of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy season.

Jaiswal was seen donning the gloves in a video shared on his Instagram account. The 24-year-old is set to feature for Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy opener against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, October 11.

While Jaiswal has established himself as a batter at the highest level, his latest experiment behind the stumps has raised questions about his intentions. Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad suggested that the opener is keen to add another dimension to his game, although he admitted he was not certain whether Jaiswal eventually plans to take up the role regularly.

“With Yashasvi, I feel he is trying hard to start keeping wickets. That's what I heard from him. He wants to keep wickets for Mumbai or for the Indian team. That is what he is aiming for, that is what I feel, but I haven't got any clarity on that,” Lad said during Mumbai's pre-season press conference.

Jaiswal has previously chipped in with his leg-spin, although his bowling has not been a regular feature of his game with India. His decision to work on wicketkeeping appears to be another attempt to broaden his skill set.

“He is someone who has started practicing keeping wickets because he feels he wants to add something more to his game. I am not very sure what his intentions are, but right now he is practicing keeping wickets and if he keeps practicing, he will get used to it,” Lad added.

Jaiswal is also understood to have kept wickets for around 10 overs during one of Mumbai’s practice matches in the lead-up to the Ranji Trophy. Whether the experiment develops into a regular role remains to be seen, but the India opener is clearly putting in the work to familiarise himself with the demands of keeping.

EXPERIENCE TO THE GROUP

For Mumbai, Jaiswal's presence provides a significant boost as they prepare for the new season. The team will be without former captain Shardul Thakur, while former skipper Ajinkya Rahane has retired from all forms of cricket ahead of the campaign.

Lad believes Jaiswal can offer Mumbai considerably more than his contribution with the bat, particularly around a relatively young group of players.

“I think he is just available for the first game, if I am not wrong. But someone like Yashasvi doesn't only add performances; he adds value to the team with his experience,” Lad said.

“He is someone who has done really well at the highest level. Sharing the dressing room with someone like Yashasvi helps us also with the youngsters, and we are looking forward to it.”

For now, Jaiswal’s wicketkeeping remains an intriguing addition rather than an established part of his game. But with Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy campaign about to begin, the opener appears keen to use the opportunity to expand his skill set and give himself another string to his bow.

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