Did Yashasvi Jaiswal Just Call Sam Konstas a Psycho?

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the talented opening batsman for Team India, recently opened up about a verbal altercation with Australian opener Sam Konstas during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Jaiswal revealed that he was repeatedly taunted by Konstas, leading to a heated exchange on the field, with Rohit Sharma stepping in to provide much-needed guidance.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Yashasvi Jaiswal faced taunts from Sam Konstas during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
• He admitted to intentionally hitting a ball at Konstas in response to the sledging.
• Rohit Sharma provided crucial support and advice to Jaiswal during tense moments.
• Jaiswal was overlooked for the Asia Cup 2025 but continues to be a key player for India.
• He is set to open the batting alongside KL Rahul in the upcoming Test series against the West Indies.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy Incident

During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a fierce Test cricket series between India and Australia, on-field tensions escalated, particularly during the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Jaiswal recalled how Konstas targeted him with continuous sledging while he was batting, calling it "weird" behaviour. The stump microphone caught Jaiswal responding in kind, taunting Konstas with remarks like, "What happened, are you not playing any shots now?" This exchange highlighted the intense rivalry between the two teams.

Jaiswal's Response to Sledging

In a candid interview with Mashable India, Jaiswal provided insight into the incident, stating, "When I was batting, he was giving it to me. He’s a bit weird. When I was batting, he was forcefully saying things to me. I got a bit angry and said, 'Okay'." This frustration culminated in a deliberate act where Jaiswal hit a ball aimed at Konstas, showcasing his competitive spirit. He explained, "Nathan Lyon bowled a ball, and I gave it a whack. Actually, I hit him on purpose that day."

Support from Rohit Sharma

Throughout the match, Jaiswal credited Rohit Sharma for his encouragement and guidance. He mentioned feeling nervous while fielding at silly point, particularly as he faced the formidable Steve Smith. "That time, Rohit Sharma gave me some bamboo," he said, indicating how Sharma's words bolstered his confidence. Jaiswal emphasised the importance of Sharma's mentorship, stating, "Rohit bhai is alag level. It is great fun being around him."

Yashasvi Jaiswal's Growing Career

Yashasvi Jaiswal made his Test debut against the West Indies in July 2023 and quickly established himself as a reliable opening batsman. His partnership with Rohit Sharma was pivotal in his development, allowing him to learn from one of the game's greats. Despite being overlooked for the main squad for the Asia Cup 2025, where he was included only as a standby, Jaiswal has shown promise in various formats. He has participated in 23 T20I matches, amassing 723 runs at an impressive average of 36.15 and a strike rate of 164.32, including five half-centuries and one century.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matches

As the cricketing world anticipates the next chapter in Jaiswal's career, he is set to take the field in India's two-match Test series against the West Indies, commencing on 2 October 2023 in Ahmedabad. Jaiswal is expected to open the batting alongside KL Rahul, which presents him with another opportunity to showcase his skills and continue his upward trajectory in international cricket.

Conclusion

Yashasvi Jaiswal's experiences during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy not only highlight the competitive nature of international cricket but also underline the importance of mentorship and support among players. As he navigates his career, fans will be eager to see how he leverages his experiences, both on and off the field. Will he emerge as one of India's leading batsmen in the coming years? Only time will tell.

#YashasviJaiswal #BorderGavaskarTrophy #CricketMentorship

FAQs

What happened between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sam Konstas during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy?

Yashasvi Jaiswal revealed that he was sledged repeatedly by Australian opener Sam Konstas, which led to a verbal exchange. Jaiswal admitted to intentionally hitting a ball at Konstas in response to the taunts.

How did Rohit Sharma assist Yashasvi Jaiswal during the match?

Rohit Sharma provided guidance and support to Jaiswal during tense moments on the field, helping to bolster his confidence while navigating the challenges posed by the Australian team.

What is Yashasvi Jaiswal's T20I record?

Yashasvi Jaiswal has played 23 T20I matches, scoring 723 runs at an average of 36.15 and a strike rate of 164.32, including five half-centuries and one century.

When is Jaiswal's next match for India?

Yashasvi Jaiswal is set to feature in India's two-match Test series against the West Indies, beginning on 2 October 2023 in Ahmedabad.

Why was Yashasvi Jaiswal overlooked for the Asia Cup 2025?

Jaiswal was not included in India's main squad for the Asia Cup 2025 and was only selected as a standby player, which raised some eyebrows given his performance in T20Is.