New Delhi, Nov 13 (NationPress) - As India prepares for the first Test against South Africa, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has lauded captain Shubman Gill, stating that sharing the crease with him is a delightful experience and that he stands out as one of the remarkable players of our times.

Gill, who guided India to a 2-0 home Test series victory over the West Indies last month, enters the first Test against the Proteas, commencing at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday, following a demanding white-ball series in Australia.

“I have a fantastic rapport with Shubman. He’s a true gentleman and a wonderful friend. Playing alongside him is always a joy, and he is undoubtedly one of the great players of our generation,” Jaiswal shared on JioStar.

He also spoke about the impact of seasoned players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who stepped back from Test cricket earlier this year. “The achievements of Rohit Bhaiya and Virat Bhai are remarkable. They have motivated an entire generation, including myself.”

“I view this as a chance to learn from them and give my best. I realize I can’t replace them, but I’ll rely on my strengths and play confidently,” Jaiswal added.

Jaiswal comes off a strong performance, scoring 67 and 156 for Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy match against Rajasthan at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur last week. Additionally, he claimed 1-9 with his part-time leg-spin bowling.

“I’m pleased with my recent form and contributions. My focus remains on what I can achieve on the field and how I can help the team. I don’t dwell on averages or statistics,” he noted.

“I center my attention on the process, taking one match at a time, and striving to deliver my best for the team. This focus enables me to perform under pressure and maintain consistency. I truly value my practice sessions, as they keep me grounded and self-assured,” he concluded.

Jaiswal is aiming to excel at the top of the order in the upcoming Test series against South Africa, beginning with the first match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.