Yashasvi Jaiswal delivered a spectacular performance, scoring 175 runs off 258 balls during India’s first innings in the second Test against West Indies at Arun Jaitley Stadium. His magnificent knock, however, ended in a rare mix-up with his captain, Shubman Gill. Despite the unfortunate dismissal, the 23-year-old left-hander showcased remarkable maturity and composure, hitting 22 boundaries. This outstanding innings placed him in an elite group alongside Graeme Smith, as one of the youngest players to achieve five 150+ scores in Test cricket before reaching the age of 24.
Following his impressive display, Jaiswal shared a delightful moment with West Indies cricket icon Brian Lara near the boundary. Lara, with a jovial tone, pleaded with the young Indian batter, saying, ‘Don’t beat our bowlers that bad!’ Jaiswal’s humble response was simply that he was ‘just trying.’
In a video released by the BCCI, Jaiswal opened up about his batting philosophy during the innings. He stated, ‘I always prioritize the team, focusing on how I can contribute and what’s essential for my team at that particular moment. This approach guides my shot selection and strategy. If I get a good start, my mindset is to convert it into a significant score, batting for as long as possible.’
Jaiswal also acknowledged the crucial partnerships he formed with teammates Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill. He emphasized how their effective strike rotation and aggressive approach against loose deliveries helped maintain constant pressure on the opposition bowlers.
This innings marked Jaiswal’s seventh Test century and brought him tantalizingly close to what would have been his third double hundred in Test cricket, following two such feats in the 2024 series against England. His brilliant performance garnered widespread praise not only from fans but also from esteemed cricketing personalities like Sunil Gavaskar, who applauded his precise shot-making and unwavering consistency.
Jaiswal’s masterful innings further cemented his burgeoning reputation as one of India’s most promising young batters. He continues to demonstrate an impressive ability to bat for extended periods, coupled with excellent tactical awareness and an advanced level of maturity for his age.