Yashasvi Jaiswal Shines Ahead of South Africa Test Series
Yashasvi Jaiswal Prepares for Upcoming Test Series
In preparation for the forthcoming Test series against South Africa, Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased his skills during a Ranji Trophy 2025/26 match against Rajasthan at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. This match marked his return to the team after missing earlier fixtures in the current Ranji Trophy season.
Since Jaiswal is not participating in the ongoing unofficial Tests for India A against South Africa A, he chose to remain with his state team to refine his red-ball skills ahead of the Test matches against the South African squad, captained by Temba Bavuma. His inclusion in India's red-ball plans highlights the importance of the upcoming Tests as a chance for him to demonstrate his prowess in familiar conditions.
After a brief hiatus following the West Indies Test series, Jaiswal returned to first-class cricket for the Ranji Trophy to maintain his form. Initially contemplating a move to Goa, he ultimately decided to stay with Mumbai, confirming his availability for the match against Rajasthan.
Yashasvi Jaiswal's Impressive Form
Since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Jaiswal has been in remarkable form in red-ball cricket. He emerged as India's top scorer during the Australia Test series, accumulating 391 runs, which included a century and two fifties, averaging 43.44 across 10 innings. On his first tour to England, he scored 411 runs, featuring two centuries and two fifties, with an average of 41.10 in 10 innings.
His performances in Australia and England solidified his position in India's red-ball squad. Continuing his form into the West Indies Test series, Jaiswal was again the leading run-scorer with 219 runs, including a century, averaging 73 over three matches. Despite a short break, he has shown no signs of slowing down, consistently scoring in domestic cricket.
In the recent Ranji Trophy match against Rajasthan, Jaiswal displayed his exceptional batting skills once more. He scored 67 runs in the first innings, contributing to Mumbai's total of 254, and followed it up with a remarkable 154 runs off 176 balls, spearheading Mumbai's response to Rajasthan's formidable total of 617/6.
Recognition and Future Prospects
Jaiswal's recent performances have garnered significant attention from fans and cricket analysts alike, who have praised his dedication to red-ball cricket ahead of the South Africa Test series. Many supporters have hailed him as 'the future of Indian cricket.' However, some have expressed concern over his absence from the white-ball format, questioning the team's management for not including him in limited-overs selections despite his explosive batting style.
Fans have taken to social media to voice their opinions, with some suggesting that established players should step aside to make room for emerging talents like Jaiswal. His consistent performance in red-ball cricket has made him a key player for both India and Mumbai, showcasing his adaptability and match-winning capabilities.
Since 2024, Jaiswal has been a standout performer for India in Tests, amassing 2,148 runs, including two double centuries, four centuries, and eleven fifties, with an impressive average of 50.95 over 23 matches. His ongoing success in red-ball cricket is a significant advantage for Team India as they gear up for the Test series against South Africa, commencing on November 14.