Yashasvi Jaiswal's spectacular maiden ODI century against South Africa has not only secured a series-clinching victory for India but has also ignited discussions about his future role in the national team. The 23-year-old's unbeaten 116 off 121 balls in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, December 6, 2025, showcased his immense potential and versatility across all formats of the game.
Jaiswal's innings was a blend of patience and aggression. After a cautious start, he accelerated, hitting 12 fours and two sixes, demonstrating his ability to adapt to the demands of ODI cricket. This performance underscores his potential to be a long-term prospect for India in all three formats. Notably, this century makes him the sixth Indian to score a century in all formats of international cricket, joining an elite list that includes Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Suresh Raina.
The immediate impact of Jaiswal's ton was evident in the series victory against South Africa. His 155-run opening stand with Rohit Sharma (75 off 73) laid a solid foundation for India's chase of 271. Virat Kohli's quickfire 65* off 45 balls then sealed the win with over 10 overs to spare. This dominant performance helped India secure the series 2-1, especially sweet after losing the Test series 2-0.
Looking ahead, Jaiswal's form presents both opportunities and challenges for the Indian team management. With the five-match T20 series against South Africa starting on Tuesday in Cuttack, it remains to be seen how Jaiswal will carry this momentum into the shortest format. He already has a T20I century to his name. His ability to perform consistently will be crucial in cementing his place in the T20I squad.
Beyond the immediate T20 series, the selectors will be pondering how to integrate Jaiswal into the ODI setup consistently, especially with the next major ICC event years away. While he has proven his mettle in Test cricket and now has a defining ODI innings under his belt, maintaining form and consistency will be key. He debuted in ODIs earlier in the year against England and had modest scores in the initial games of the series against South Africa. The century is a strong statement on his capabilities.
Jaiswal's success also poses a healthy selection dilemma for the team. With established players like Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill already at the top of the order, the team management will need to strategically manage Jaiswal's opportunities to ensure he gets enough game time without disrupting the balance of the team. Finding the right batting position and ensuring a consistent run in the side will be crucial for his development.
In conclusion, Yashasvi Jaiswal's maiden ODI century is a significant milestone in his career. It not only showcased his talent and adaptability but also highlighted his potential to be a future star for India across all formats. As he continues to evolve and gain experience, his journey will be closely watched by fans and experts alike. The immediate focus will be on the T20 series against South Africa, but the larger question remains: how will India harness this young talent to build a formidable team for the future?
