Yashasvi Jaiswal's rise in Indian Test cricket reached a new peak as he shattered Gautam Gambhir's long-standing record on Day 2 of the Perth Test. The 21-year-old left-handed batsman has now accumulated the most runs by an Indian left-hander in a calendar year, overtaking Gambhir's 2008 tally of 1,134 runs. Jaiswal’s achievement, marked by a current total of over 1,161 runs at an average of 55.28, is a testament to his remarkable consistency and resilience, especially considering the pressure of playing on the challenging pitches of Australia.
The young batter’s journey in 2024 has been nothing short of phenomenal. Although he experienced a setback in the first innings at Perth, where he was dismissed for a duck after facing just eight deliveries, Jaiswal quickly regrouped. His second innings was a display of patience and calculated aggression. With Jasprit Bumrah's sensational bowling effort skittling out the Australians for 104, Jaiswal and his fellow Indian openers had the opportunity to put India in a commanding position. He played an innings of 42 off 88 balls, showcasing his ability to adapt to conditions, and India went into the tea break with a comfortable lead of 130 runs, leaving Australia under immense pressure.
Jaiswal’s form in 2024 has been one of the main reasons for India's success in the Test arena this year. His breakthrough came during the England series, where he dominated the English attack with over 700 runs, including two double hundreds—a rare achievement for any Indian batter, let alone one so early in his career. This exceptional run of form has elevated him to the forefront of India’s Test lineup, where he consistently provides solid starts, playing with a blend of caution and aggression that has drawn comparisons to some of India's greatest left-handed batters. With 7 half-centuries and 2 centuries under his belt this year, Jaiswal has proven to be a reliable mainstay in India’s top order.
His achievements are not just about the numbers but also about the maturity he has shown on the field. Jaiswal’s ability to build innings, particularly on difficult pitches against high-quality bowling attacks, has earned him accolades from former cricketers and experts. Despite his young age, he has demonstrated a calm demeanor and a strategic approach to his game, qualities that bode well for a long and illustrious career. His success in Australia, a venue that has historically tested the technique and temperament of visiting batters, suggests he is not only capable of scoring big runs in familiar subcontinental conditions but can also adapt to bouncy and seam-friendly pitches abroad.
Looking at the bigger picture, Jaiswal is currently the second-highest run-scorer in Tests for 2024, trailing only England’s Joe Root, who sits at 1,338 runs. This rivalry between Jaiswal and Root for the top spot adds an exciting dimension to the remaining Tests of the year. With India’s ongoing tour of Australia, Jaiswal has ample opportunity to close the gap and potentially surpass Root’s tally. Such a feat would not only crown him as the leading Test run-scorer of the year but would also cement his reputation as one of the best emerging talents in world cricket.
Jaiswal’s aggressive yet thoughtful batting style has also given India a fresh dynamic to its test strategy. He has the rare ability to shift gears according to the match situation, stabilizing the innings when wickets fall and accelerating when the opportunity arises. This adaptability is reminiscent of India’s great Test openers, and it has brought much-needed stability at the top of the order, a position that had been a point of concern for India in recent years.
His journey from humble beginnings—growing up in Mumbai and making a name for himself in domestic cricket—to being a standout performer on the international stage, is a story of perseverance and dedication. Jaiswal’s rapid rise has inspired countless young cricketers in India, showcasing that hard work, grit, and a willingness to learn can lead to success at the highest level. He has also earned praise for his off-field humility and grounded nature, maintaining focus on his game despite the growing fame and media attention.
As India continues its tour in Australia, the spotlight will remain on Jaiswal, who has become a fan favorite and a symbol of the new generation of Indian cricketers—fearless, aggressive, and determined to make a mark on the global stage. The remaining matches of the Australian tour are not only a chance for him to build on his personal records but also a critical period for India’s Test ambitions. A strong showing in these Tests will reaffirm India's dominance in the format and highlight the depth of talent emerging from the country.
Jaiswal’s hunger for runs, his keen eye for shot selection, and his calm under pressure are likely to keep him at the forefront of India's cricket narrative for years to come. His achievements in 2024 are just the beginning, and if he continues on this trajectory, Yashasvi Jaiswal may very well establish himself as one of the modern greats of Indian cricket, carrying the hopes of a billion fans each time he walks out to the crease.
