Yashasvi Jaiswal: The Unsung Hero of IPL 2026
Yashasvi Jaiswal's Consistent Performance
In the midst of the excitement surrounding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Rajasthan Royals' opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been quietly showcasing his talent in the current IPL season. During the match against Punjab Kings on April 28, Jaiswal scored an impressive 51 runs off just 27 balls, contributing significantly to RR's successful chase of 223 runs in Mullanpur.
This innings marked his third fifty of IPL 2026, following scores of 55 and an unbeaten 77 against Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians, respectively, both played in Guwahati. In addition to these fifties, Jaiswal has also recorded scores of 38*, 13, 1, 39, 22, and 10, demonstrating his reliable performance despite not being in the limelight.
A Consistent Performer
Yashasvi Jaiswal has crossed the 300-run milestone for the fourth consecutive IPL season, establishing himself as a key player for the Rajasthan Royals. Despite his achievements as a top-order batsman, he remains somewhat overshadowed this season, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi often taking center stage due to his aggressive batting style.
Recognition and T20I Plans
Despite his impressive track record, Jaiswal has not received the recognition he deserves. Aakash Chopra, a former Indian opener, pointed out in a video on his social media that Jaiswal's consistent performances in the IPL have not translated into attention from the selectors for India's T20I squad.
Chopra remarked, "Look at his numbers over the last three years. He was part of the T20 World Cup 2024-winning team but was subsequently dropped. While players come and go, Jaiswal's name rarely comes up in discussions. I’m not suggesting he should be selected, but it’s puzzling that he’s not even considered."
Statistical Overview
In previous IPL seasons, Jaiswal's performance has been noteworthy, with runs scored as follows:
| Year | Runs | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 625 | 163.61 |
| 2024 | 435 | 155.91 |
| 2025 | 559 | 159.71 |
However, he has not been part of India's T20I setup since July 2024, when he last played against Sri Lanka.
The Question of Selection
Chopra expressed disbelief over the lack of discussion regarding Jaiswal's place in the T20I team, emphasizing that the young batter has consistently performed well. He stated, "If you look at his IPL statistics over the past three years, he has maintained a good average and strike rate. He is doing everything right, yet he is not even part of the conversation. What was his mistake?"
As of now, Jaiswal has accumulated 306 runs in the ongoing IPL season, including three fifties, with an average of 43.71 and a strike rate of 158.74 across nine matches. Over four IPL seasons, he has scored a total of 1925 runs, including two centuries and 15 fifties, averaging 40.95 with a strike rate of 159.88 in 53 matches.
Conclusion
Despite his consistent performances over the last four seasons, Yashasvi Jaiswal continues to be overlooked in broader discussions, particularly regarding his potential inclusion in India's T20I squad.