As India embarks on a new era in Test cricket with fresh leadership and a youthful core, veteran coach Badruddin Siddiqui, the childhood mentor of Mohammed Shami, has praised the rise of Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal following their impressive centuries on Day 1 of the first Test against England at Headingley. Speaking before the play on Day 2, after India concluded Day 1 at 359/3, Siddiqui expressed his anticipation for this series, especially with the retirement of prominent players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The performances of the young players, particularly captain Gill and opener Jaiswal, filled him with optimism and happiness for the future of Indian cricket. “We had been waiting for this Test series for quite a while, especially because many new players are getting a chance in the Indian team,” Siddiqui told IANS. “All our experienced players have retired, so we were really looking forward to seeing how the new generation would perform.” He commended Gill for becoming only the fifth Indian captain to score a century in his first Test as skipper and Jaiswal for achieving his third ton against England, and his first in English conditions. “The start has been very good, just as we hoped. Shubman Gill scored a century as captain, and Jaiswal also made a hundred. It’s heartening to see the younger players taking responsibility,” Siddiqui added. Siddiqui highlighted the role of the selectors in supporting young talent during this transition period, noting that their confidence in the players was already yielding results. “The 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.” “People thought the team would become weak after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired, but we haven’t seen any signs of weakness at all. All the players have performed brilliantly, and I believe they’ll continue to get even better in the coming days.” 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 stabilized the innings after early wickets but also put England’s bowling under sustained pressure. Jaiswal’s innings, featuring 16 boundaries and a six, was particularly impressive as he battled cramps in both hands — a determined knock in classic English seaming conditions. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant also played a key role, remaining unbeaten on 65 at stumps. (With IANS Inputs)