On Day 1 of the second Test match between India and the West Indies at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, Yashasvi Jaiswal dazzled and immediately attracted notice. Anchoring India’s push to 318/2 by stumps, the IPL highest scorer Yashasvi Jaiswal youthful left-handed opener remained undefeated on 173.
This knock gave Yashasvi Jaiswal a milestone at only 23: he passed Sachin Tendulkar’s score at that age to reach his fifth Test score of 150+. Before turning 24, he achieved this. Performance by Jaiswal put him in rarefied air and lifted India’s standing. After Graeme Smith, he was only the second batsman to record seven test centuries before turning 24. The young batsman surprised several in the cricket world by eclipsing Tendulkar’s four such 150+ runs by his age.
Going into Day 2, Jaiswal’s walk toward a void double century was abruptly halted. Before being run out, he added only two more runs. After a puzzling call for a fast single, Yashasvi Jaiswal said Gill at the non-striker’s end “didn’t pick up the call,” causing the mis-up. Visible frustration caused Jaiswal to throw his helmet and express his disappointment. Reflecting post-dismissal, he underplayed the incident, noting, “It’s part of the game,” adding that these kinds of events take place. He also pointed out to Shubman Gill that the responsibility was his own, although he admitted that even at the highest level, mistakes in communication sneak in occasionally.
Asked about the innings in a media interview, Yashasvi Jaiswal talked of balance; patience melded with aggression; timing corresponded with aim. He attributed his ability to trust his shot selection to his focus and the pitch. Although the run-out was unfortunate, it did not hide a strong performance. So early in his career, his path already has parallels with legends. Still, he keeps his attention on the now. He sees this knock as just another stride in a path he seeks to maintain, not as vindication nor a peak.
