Virat Kohli praises debutant Jayant Yadav for 'priceless' contributions

Visakhapatnam, Nov 21: Captain Virat Kohli today (November 21) heapead praise on debutant Jayant Yadav after India crushed England by 246 runs to win the 2nd Test here.

Match scorecard; Series schedule; Photos

On Monday, the fifth and final day of the Test match, India took 8 England wickets before the end of the 2nd session to complete a massive victory. The visitors were chasing 405 and folded for 158 in 97.3 overs. Kohli was the Man-of-the-match for his scores of 167 and 81.

India now have a 1-0 lead in the 5-match rubber. The opening contest ended in a draw in Rajkot. The 3rd Test starts in Mohali on November 26.

After the match, Kohli was asked about the positives coming out of the match and he was effusive in his praise for the fast bowlers and offspinner Jayant.

The 26-year-old Jayant took 4 wickets in the match and contributed 62 runs (35 and 27 not out). He came in for high praise from not only the captain but also TV commentators during the match.

"(The) biggest positive (in this match) is the way the fast bowlers (Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav) bowled. And Jayant Yadav. (He) picked 1 wicket in the first innings and 3 in the second. He was brilliant with the bat and showed great character. It's priceless those contributions," Kohli said.

He continued, "The young man, to show the character, speaks volumes. I am very happy with the start he has had. For a young man to come in and have the vision to take wickets and to tell you about the fields and the lines to bowl the batsman out. You know this guy knows what he's doing. Even the revs on the ball and the speed he bowled with. I knew the batsmen were uncomfortable against him."

Star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin too was impressed with "great kid" Jayant. He said, ""He (Jayant) is a great kid. His work ethics are great and I wanted him to do well. Has a strong temperament. He is very calm and is prepared to learn. Nothing hurried about his action. His contributions in both the innings have been fantastic."

OneIndia News