'Don't expect too much': Gautam Gambhir's honest verdict on Indian star ahead of IND vs SA 1st Test

India are all set to lock horns against South Africa in the first Test of their two-match series starting Tuesday, December 26. The first Test match will be played at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. Ahead of the crucial game, former India opener Gautam Gambhir spoke about the challenges that may come the way of some of the young players, particularly Yashasvi Jaiswal.  

3 things you need to know

• India have never won a Test series in South Africa
• South Africa won the previous series 2-1 in 2022
• Jaiswal has played two Test matches for India

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Gautam Gambhir on Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal made a notable entry into Test cricket by scoring a century in his debut game. Against the West Indies, Jaiswal showcased his brilliance, becoming the first Indian batsman since Virender Sehwag to achieve a hundred in his inaugural Test match outside Asia. As Jaiswal prepares for his upcoming challenge in South Africa, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir believes it would be unjust to anticipate a century from the youngster.

"Extremely different challenge, pace attack and situations because the West Indies have subcontinental-type wickets. Here, when you will play Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi or Nandre Burger, there will be bounce. Yashasvi Jaiswal has the game, both front and back foot, but it will be a very different challenge. I believe he will get better with this experience. Don't expect too much, that a young player will come and score a century or a double century in the first match," Gambhir told Star Sports.

Jaiswal is expected to open the batting for India in the first Test match against the Proteas. He will most likely open along with skipper Rohit Sharma. Shubman Gill will drop down to the number three position in the batting lineup and will take the place of Cheteshwar Pujara, who is not part of the current squad.