Yashasvi Jaiswal practising wicketkeeping with Mumbai ahead of Ranji Trophy opener

Yashasvi Jaiswal was filmed practising wicketkeeping with Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium ahead of the Ranji Trophy opener against Chandigarh on Sunday, October 11. The 24-year-old India Test opener posted a video on his Instagram account showing himself donning the gloves.

Jaiswal is already established as a batter at the highest level, but his move to add keeping to his skill set has attracted attention. He has previously bowled leg-spin on occasion, though his bowling has not been a regular feature of his game with India, and the decision to work on wicketkeeping appears aimed at broadening his capabilities.

Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad addressed Jaiswal’s experiment during the team’s pre-season press conference. "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.

Lad added further detail on Jaiswal's practice regime. "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, and Jaiswal reportedly kept for around 10 overs in one of Mumbai’s practice matches.

The team will be without former captain Shardul Thakur, and Ajinkya Rahane has retired from all forms of cricket ahead of the campaign. On Jaiswal’s wider impact, Lad said: "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." "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 is an experiment rather than an established role, but he is taking steps to familiarise himself with the demands of keeping. Whether the trial develops into a regular role remains to be seen.

Jaiswal is set to play for Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy opener against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, October 11.