Speaking ahead of Day 2\u2019s play, after India finished Day 1 on 359\/3, Siddiqui said this was a series he had eagerly awaited \u2014 especially with the retirement of stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. And the performance of the young guns, particularly captain Gill and opener Jaiswal, gave him hope and joy for Indian cricket\u2019s future.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe had been waiting for this Test series for quite a while, especially because many new players are getting a chance in the Indian team,\u201d Siddiqui told IANS. \u201cAll our experienced players have retired, so we were really looking forward to seeing how the new generation would perform.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He was full of praise for Gill, who became only the fifth Indian captain to score a century in his first Test as skipper, and Jaiswal, who notched up his third ton against England \u2014 his first in English conditions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe start has been very good, just as we hoped. Shubman Gill scored a century as captain, and Jaiswal also made a hundred. It\u2019s heartening to see the younger players taking responsibility,\u201d Siddiqui added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Highlighting the role of the selectors in backing young talent during a transition phase, Siddiqui said such trust was already paying off.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe selection committee has shown great faith in these youngsters, and they are living up to that trust. Players who perform well will definitely get more opportunities going forward. It feels really good to see our new players doing so well.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cPeople thought the team would become weak after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired, but we haven\u2019t seen any signs of weakness at all. All the players have performed brilliantly, and I believe they\u2019ll continue to get even better in the coming days.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On the field, Shubman Gill (127* off 175 balls) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (101 off 159 balls) were the standout performers. Their 129-run partnership not only steadied the innings after early wickets but also put England\u2019s bowling under sustained pressure. Jaiswal\u2019s innings, studded with 16 boundaries and a six, came despite battling cramps in both hands \u2014 a gritty knock in classic English seaming conditions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cPeople thought the team would become weak after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired, but we haven\u2019t seen any signs of weakness at all. All the players have performed brilliantly, and I believe they\u2019ll continue to get even better in the coming days.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> LIVE Cricket Score<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n