India faced a challenging start in the second Test against England after being put in to bat under gloomy skies. KL Rahul struggled to get going and eventually fell to Chris Woakes after a laborious 26-ball effort that yielded just two runs.
England’s bowlers, particularly Woakes and Brydon Carse, maintained a tight grip early on, making scoring difficult. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal showed great patience at the other end, carefully navigating the tough phase while remaining alert to punish any loose deliveries.
As the initial pressure began to ease, Jaiswal began to shift gears, taking on the first-change bowlers with confidence. He started his assault by hitting three crisp boundaries off Josh Tongue in the 16th over.
In the very next over, he played a stunning on-drive against England captain Ben Stokes, a shot that not only showcased his talent but also his growing confidence at the crease. Sensing an opportunity to assert himself, Jaiswal didn’t hold back from exchanging a few words with the English skipper.
The verbal duel escalated when Stokes, clearly irked, told the young opener to “p**s off.” Jaiswal, unfazed and bold, retorted with, “You don’t want to hear from me, Stokesy.” Their conversation spilled over into the break between overs, as the two continued to exchange remarks while walking back to their positions. The tension added a layer of drama to what was already shaping up to be an intense battle.
The incident quickly caught the attention of fans on social media, particularly on Twitter, where cricket lovers expressed excitement over the fiery exchange. Many were thrilled to see the young Indian opener standing his ground against a seasoned campaigner like Stokes, interpreting it as a display of confidence and fearlessness.
— BavumaTheKing Temba (@bavumathek83578) July 2, 2025
While India’s innings had a rocky beginning, Jaiswal’s counterattack and on-field exchange with Stokes added a spark to the proceedings. His aggressive approach after weathering the early storm set the tone for a potential comeback, and the duel with Stokes only heightened the competitive spirit of the match.