New Delhi - Yashasvi Jaiswal is being hailed as the next big thing in Indian cricket, with some even drawing comparisons to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. The young opener's remarkable talent was on full display on the first day of the second Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where he finished with an unbeaten 173. This led to former India batter Mohammad Kaif boldly predicting that Jaiswal is the most likely candidate to break Virender Sehwag's record for the highest individual score by an Indian in a Test innings. Sehwag's record stands at 319.
At just 23 years old, Jaiswal is already making waves in the world of Test cricket. He has seven centuries to his name, and five of those have been scores of 150 or more. Only Don Bradman had more 150-plus scores before the age of 24. Jaiswal has demonstrated an ability to convert starts into substantial scores while maintaining an impressive strike rate.
Kaif expressed immense confidence in Jaiswal, stating that in his first 26 matches, Jaiswal's numbers are comparable to those of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Kaif highlighted Jaiswal's high strike rate and the impact his centuries have on India's path to victory.
Anil Kumble, the legendary spinner and former head coach, believes Jaiswal has a "great opportunity" to score his first triple hundred in Test cricket during the ongoing match against the West Indies. Kumble emphasized Jaiswal's tendency to capitalize on opportunities, turning good starts into significant scores.
Jaiswal's current form and the favorable batting conditions at the Arun Jaitley Stadium have fueled speculation about his chances of reaching a triple century. The West Indies' bowling attack, while skilled, has struggled to pose a significant threat on the relatively benign surface. The strong batting lineup behind Jaiswal, including players like Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar, further alleviates pressure and allows him to play freely.
While a triple century remains a rare feat in Test cricket history, with only 33 instances, analysts have assessed Jaiswal's probability of reaching the milestone. Taking into account factors such as his current score, the quality of the bowling attack, time available, and the likelihood of a declaration, the probability is estimated to be around 5%, with a plausible range of 3-8%.
Jaiswal's biggest advantage is the time available to him. With eight wickets in hand at the end of Day 1, he has the opportunity to bat deep into the second day, potentially for two full sessions. If he can navigate the first 12-15 overs on Day 2, his chances of reaching a triple century could increase significantly.
Regardless of whether Jaiswal achieves the elusive triple century, his innings has already captured the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. His journey, marked by early hardships and unwavering self-belief, serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers. Like Sachin Tendulkar in his early years, Jaiswal is learning to blend patience with flair, playing not just for runs but also for India's stability at the top of the order.
