Yashasvi Jaiswal: The Rising Star of Indian Cricket Ahead of England Test
Jaiswal's Promising Journey
As the first Test against England approaches in Leeds this Friday, all eyes are on 23-year-old opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has quickly established himself as one of the premier openers in Test cricket.
His impressive strokeplay, boldness, and reliability over the past few years evoke memories of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli during their early careers, dominating bowlers worldwide.
In the last World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, Jaiswal finished as the second-highest run-scorer, amassing 1,798 runs across 19 matches and 36 innings, boasting an average of 52.88, including four centuries (two of which were double centuries) and ten fifties, with a top score of 214*.
Despite participating in just one WTC, Jaiswal has already hit 39 sixes, placing him among the top four six-hitters in the competition's history, trailing only behind his former opening partner Rohit Sharma (56) and Ben Stokes (83). He led the six-hitting charts for the 2023-25 cycle.
His remarkable batting average of 52.88 stands out, especially considering that the global average for openers has hovered just above 30 since his Test debut in July 2023.
Fearless Competitor
Jaiswal's approach goes beyond mere statistics; his desire to challenge the best bowlers in the world is a thrilling aspect of his game, setting the stage for potential future showdowns. His audacious hat-trick of sixes against the legendary James Anderson during England's tour of India last year exemplified his fearless attitude, disregarding the veteran's impressive record of over 700 Test wickets.
On the field, Anderson became just another opponent for Jaiswal, who maintained a strike rate of 65.33, swinging hard despite being dismissed twice in seven innings against the English great. Throughout the series, he scored 98 runs off 150 balls against Anderson, hitting nine fours and four sixes.
This fearless mentality, often referred to as the 'Khadoos' style of cricket in Mumbai, was evident during his tour to Australia. In Perth, he faced Mitchell Starc, a renowned yorker specialist, and after being dismissed for a duck in the first innings, he boldly remarked that Starc's deliveries were 'coming too slow.' In the second innings, Jaiswal scored an impressive 161 runs off 297 balls, including 51 runs off 69 balls against Starc, showcasing his aggressive intent.
Proving His Worth
Although Starc dismissed him twice more in the series, Jaiswal's ability to score 133 runs against the left-arm pacer out of his total 391 runs in the series, at a strike rate exceeding 65, reflects his philosophy of treating legends with disdain rather than caution. With a century and two half-centuries, he emerged as India's top run-scorer, successfully navigating the challenging Australian conditions.
As England prepares to field renowned all-rounder Ben Stokes and the underrated Chris Woakes, who has an impressive home record, the question arises: can Jaiswal conquer them?
A Future Star in SENA Nations
Following his success in Australia, Jaiswal's technique and composure position him as a potential successor to cricketing legends like Sachin, Virat, and Rahul Dravid, particularly in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) nations, where these icons have historically excelled.
While his performance in South Africa yielded only 50 runs in two Tests, he boasts an impressive white-ball record in the region, scoring 602 runs in 12 innings at an average of 75.25 at the under-19 level. He was the top scorer in the 2020 U19 World Cup held there, accumulating 400 runs in six innings at an astonishing average of 133.33.
Jaiswal has yet to play a Test in England, and his two unofficial Tests against the England Lions were modest, with just one fifty in four innings. However, he can draw inspiration from his remarkable performance in last year's home series against England, where he scored 712 runs in five matches at an average of 89.00, including two double centuries and three fifties.
Additionally, his U19 record in England, where he scored 294 runs in seven innings at an average of 42.00, could provide valuable insights as he prepares for the challenges ahead. During the Australian tour, he was dubbed the 'heir to the King' by local media, suggesting he could be the one to carry the torch from Virat, now primarily a one-format player for India. Will Jaiswal rise to the occasion and become India's all-weather crisis man?