Yashasvi Jaiswal's Test spectacle (Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com)
Give talent a stage, and it conquers everything in its path. Few prove this better than the prolific opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal. The left-handed young batter who started his dreams from the streets of Mumbai, now the entire nation is celebrating his unreal success in the red-ball format.
As Team India is facing West Indies in Delhi, the Delhi crowd witnessed Jaiswal’s another Test spectacle. The young opener produced a stunning Test century, anchoring the innings with poise and flair while dismantling the Caribbean bowling attack. From steady defense to audacious strokes, Jaiswal’s innings had everything: a perfect blend of grit and artistry.
Amidst immense heroics, some knocks stay not just as a knock but become a big milestone of a player’s career, and the Delhi ton was that for Jaiswal. At just 23, the young opener notched his 7th Test hundred, achieving the extraordinary feat of scoring seven centuries at seven different venues. Let’s take a journey through seven iconic moments that have shaped his remarkable career.
Dominica marks the dawn of Jaiswal’s seven wonders
From the bustling streets of Mumbai, where he once sold panipuri to make ends meet, to the hallowed grounds of international cricket, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Life threw hurdles at him, but his relentless grit and unwavering focus turned every obstacle into a stepping stone. Outstanding display in domestic cricket for years earned Jaiswal his maiden Test call-up in 2023.
As Team India travelled to the West Indies two years back, it turned out to be one of the best memories of the youngster. Making his Test debut in the first Test of the series, he opened the innings with captain Rohit Sharma. Making his mark on his first outing, he crafted his thrilling test half-century.
As Jaiswal was on a divine touch in the game, he touched the three magical figures in 215 deliveries. As the entire world erupted in cheer for the youngster but he had something more to deliver. Crossing the 150-run mark, he stunned the world.
As he was moving towards a well-deserved double ton on his debut Test, his fate took a drastic turn. As he was standing on 171 runs, Alzarri Joseph removed him in an outstanding delivery. Yet, even in his heroic departure, Yashasvi had announced the arrival of a new sensation in Indian Test cricket, one whose talent and temperament promised wonders to come.
The 'Jazzball' conquers with six marvels at six terrains
A spectacle that started in Dominica was just the beginning of a fairy tale that was achieved by Jaiswal’s grit. After smashing a century on Caribbean soil, Yashasvi’s first Test hundred on home soil came in January 2024 when England travelled to India. As both sides collide in Vishakhapatnam in the second Test of the series.
While batting first, Team India faced some serious batting blows, but Jaiswal stood tall. While wickets tumbled around him, his composure and technique stood out. After crossing the century mark, he seized control, powering his way to a career-first double century. Adding to the magic, this monumental knock came on his home soil, making the feat even more memorable.
The Test series against England brought the best out of Jaiswal as he smashed his third Test ton in the third match in Rajkot. After an early dismissal in the first innings, he showcased his excellence. Chasing the total, Rohit Sharma fell early and stitched a game-changing partnership with Shubman Gill.
Dominating the English attack with authority, he went on to score a magnificent unbeaten double century, finishing on 214 and etching another unforgettable chapter in his burgeoning career.
Australia’s notoriously tough conditions have humbled even the most seasoned batters, often leaving newcomers with forgettable tours. But Team India’s very own ‘Jazzball’ charted a different course. Even though the beginning was humble, Perth witnessed one of the best Test innings so far.
With KL Rahul by his side, Yashasvi Jaiswal took the attack to the Australian bowlers, crafting a masterful innings of 167 runs off 297 balls and registering his fifth Test century with authority and flair.
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away from Tests, Team India faced the daunting task of rebuilding its batting lineup. Touring England without the stalwarts, the challenge was immense, but Yashasvi Jaiswal met it head-on.
Facing Ben Stokes and Co. in the first Test in Leeds, Jaiswal made his mark with an outstanding Test ton. Not only was it his sixth Test hundred, but it also marked his first on English soil, announcing him as a rising force in challenging conditions.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s seventh Test hundred was nothing short of spectacular. Facing the Caribbean challenge in Delhi, he blended patience with explosive strokeplay to reach his milestone and join the elite club. Pushing past 150, he seemed on course for a well-deserved double century, but an unfortunate run-out ended his innings at 175.
Excellence demands effort, and Jaiswal proves it
Some outstanding moments of a career need a dash of luck, but the hard work and determination shouldn’t go unnoticed. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s story started on Mumbai streets, but his determination drove him to the highest level. Every obstacle in his path was met and crushed by his sheer skill and perseverance.
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away from Tests, a new star was needed, and Yashasvi Jaiswal rose to the occasion. Standing in his early days of his career, Team India can find their next generation Test star in Yashasvi Jaiswal.