Yashasvi Jaiswal Vs Joe Root: Has India Star Outclassed English Great In 2024?

Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Joe Root [Source: @BCCI, @FlashCric/x.com]

2024 has been a belter of a year in Test cricket and two batters have stood head and shoulders above the rest - India’s prodigious opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal and England’s veteran batter, Joe Root. Both have amassed runs like it’s a walk in the park, crossing the 1000-run mark, the ultimate milestone for any batter in a calendar year.

But here’s the big question—who’s really had a better year? Let’s dig into the numbers and the moments.

Jaiswal vs Root: Test Stats in 2024

Yashasvi Jaiswal

When it comes to stacking up runs, these two are neck and neck. Yashasvi Jaiswal has smashed 1280 runs in just 12 Tests, batting like a man on a mission. His average has been a sensational 58.18. The young southpaw got three hundreds and seven fifties under his belt this year, including two double tons 209 and 214* against England at home in consecutive Tests.

Joe Root

Joe Root, though, isn’t far behind, actually, he’s slightly ahead in runs. He’s racked up 1338 runs in 14 Tests at an average of 58.17. And he’ scored five centuries, and four fifties this year, including that jaw-dropping career-best 262 against Pakistan in Multan. Root’s been a conversion king, making those starts count big.

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Big Knocks That Have Turned Heads

Jaiswal’s hundreds haven’t just been numbers, they’ve been statements. His 209 and 214* against England were pure class, showing he’s got the patience to grind it out. Then came his sensational 161 in Perth against a formidable Australian bowling attack, a knock that showed he can handle the heat in tough conditions.

Root, though, knows how to steal the limelightt. His 262 against Pakistan was a masterclass, grinding the bowlers to dust. Add to that his twin tons against Sri Lanka at Lord’s—it’s no surprise England won that series. Root doesn’t just score runs, he scores match-winning runs.

Home vs Away: Who’s Bossing Both Ends?

Here’s where Root has the edge. The England talisman’s a beast everywhere. From England’s swing-friendly pitches to subcontinent turners, Root’s made runs like he’s batting on a highway. His adaptability is top-notch.

Jaiswal’s been brilliant at home, no doubt, but he’s still building his overseas record. The 161 in Australia was a big tick, but Root’s been doing this for years on every kind of pitch imaginable. Experience matters, and Root’s got that in spades.

How They Have Lifted Their Teams?

Jaiswal’s been a breath of fresh air for India. He’s attacking, fearless, and has that hunger to go big. His performances at the top have given India strong starts, and his rise has been one of the highlights of the year.

Root, though, is the glue holding England’s batting together. When the odds are stacked against his side, Root stands tall. He’s been the backbone of England’s wins, grinding out runs and giving the rest of the lineup the freedom to play their shots.

Conclusion: Who Has Had a Better 2024 in Tests?

Picking between Jaiswal and Root isn’t easy—it’s like comparing raw talent with seasoned greatness. Jaiswal’s had a breakout year and is looking like the future of Indian cricket. On the other hand, Root has shown why he’s one of the modern-day greats.

If you’re all about flamboyance and a bright future, Jaiswal’s your guy. But if it’s proven class and consistency you admire, Root’s still the man. Either way, both of them have been on fire this year, and cricket fans couldn’t have asked for more. One’s just getting started, and the other’s showing he’s still got it.

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