The Real Significance of Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 171

image-lk2qfn7gYashasvi Jaiswal slammed 171 runs [AP]

India are likely on the path to another memorable win in the West Indies. And unless the West Indies play out of their skins, which is quite hard to imagine they can since their brand of cricket is unmistakably reminiscent of that of a B grade School team, there’s no way india are losing the Dominica Test. 

They’re clearly in the driver’s seat with the first inning lead having already ballooned to over 200 runs. 

But it’s important to remember - first and foremost- the prime reason that enabled India to stretch away to that humongous lead. 

There’s one important name besides Rohit Sharma-Yashasvi Jaiswal. 


Here’s what one cannot possibly undermine

When Yashasvi Jaiswal came out to bat, it was July 12, 2023. It was, lest it is forgotten, inching towards the final session of the opening day of this first Dominica Test. 

By the time, Yashasvi Jaiswal has walked back to the dugout, it’s been two days into the Test match, the game is already on the third day, he’s already become a centurion, and moreover- he’s left an illustrious gaggle of names including Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, MS Dhoni and even Sourav Ganguly behind in terms of scoring the runs scored in a single inning’s output upon one’s Test debut. 


It’s not just a remarkable achievement, it’s a telling one

image-lk2qgjr7Jaiswal celebrates his century [AP]

Besides giving us a clear idea about just what it means when big dreams turn true at the back of painstaking effort and that quintessential “Never say die” philosophy, it tells us that one of the strongest teams in the world now has one of the strongest batting orders given Jaiswal’s incision. 

The 171 will for long be remembered and treasured and shall arguably for time immemorial, feature among Yashasvi Jaiswal’s own favourite cricketing moments.

A debut to savour. A debut that had impact all over it.

However, more important than Yashasvi Jaiswal’s statistical output thanks to his batting is the involvement of that good old phrase called patience- something that implicitly belongs to the Test match level. 

But, how so? 

A patient, timely and ultimately, a knock of great significance, Jaiswal actually stayed put for 387 deliveries. 

His stay at a wicket that had a bit of a bite given runs weren’t exactly leaking points to his well over 350 minute stay at the Dominica wicket. 


An exemplary start

This was quite exemplary given prior to this Caribbean outing, Jaiswal had never previously played Test match cricket of any sort or anywhere. 

But things take a different turn when you’re an Indian cricketer and walk out to the ground wearing the proud navy blue cap and the crest. 

The enormous responsibility coupled with the pride arguably embolden you to confront stern challenges. And going by the looks of his solo heroics and that too, upon his maiden outing, it seems that India have truly discovered a talent for the ages. 

One that’ll hopefully go a long way with other names in a remarkable line-up such as Rishabh Pant (due to make a comeback), Ishant Kishan (who also made his debut) and Shubman Gill (already a staple pick in the longer format), lending the team a winning edge.

But again, having begun well is half the job done. With age and fitness, and most importantly, intent on his side, this Rajathan Royals talent should make a royal career out of his journey for India.