Yashasvi Jaiswal: India’s Bright Hope in a Tumultuous Year

In a year when India’s batting line-up saw considerable turbulence, Yashasvi Jaiswal emerged as a beacon of consistency and brilliance. The young sensation enjoyed a spectacular 2024, finishing as India’s highest run-scorer in Test cricket with an astonishing 1,478 runs at an average of 54.74. His remarkable tally included 9 half-centuries and 3 centuries, proving his ability to anchor innings and deliver when it mattered most. Jaiswal’s performance was a standout, and his 1,478 runs became the second-highest by any Indian in a calendar year, trailing only the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s 1,562 runs in 2010.

A Dominant Year for Jaiswal in 2024

Jaiswal’s dominance with the bat was highlighted by his massive lead over the second-highest run-scorer for India, Shubman Gill, who finished with 866 runs—612 runs behind Jaiswal. Such was the impact of the young left-hander’s form that he became the undisputed leader of India’s batting line-up, even as other key batters struggled for consistency. His remarkable 1,478 runs in 2024 was a personal achievement and a sign of his potential to become one of the game’s greats.

Most Runs in a Calendar Year For India
Player Matches Runs Year
Tendulkar 14 1562 2010
Jaiswal 15 1478 2024
Sehwag 14 1462 2008
Sehwag 14 1422 2010
Gavaskar 17 1407 1979

Record-Breaking WTC 2023-25 Campaign

Jaiswal’s excellent form extended beyond the 2024 calendar year into the 2023-2025 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. He ended the cycle with 1,798 runs, averaging 52.88, making him the highest run-scorer for India in the competition and the third-highest overall in the single WTC cycle. Only Joe Root (1,968 runs in 2023-25, 1915 in 2019-21) and Jaiswal’s own teammate, Ajinkya Rahane (1159 runs), came close (second most for India). Jaiswal’s achievement in the WTC series further cemented his place as one of the top batters in world cricket today.

Most Runs In WTC Cycle For India
Player Runs Matches Avg Cycle
Jaiswal 1798 19 52.88 23-25
Rahane 1159 18 42.92 19-21
Sharma 1094 12 60.77 19-21
Gill 972 16 37.38 23-25
Kohli 934 15 42.45 19-21

A Standout Performance Against England

One of the defining moments of Jaiswal’s 2024 was his performance against England in the five-match series. Jaiswal amassed an incredible 712 runs in the series, averaging 89, a key contribution to India’s dominant 4-1 series win. His consistency and ability to score big runs were instrumental in turning the series around for India after an initial setback.

Most Runs in a Test Series For India
Player Runs Opponent Year
Gavaskar 774 WI 1971
Gavaskar 732 WI 1979
Jaiswal 712 ENG 2024
Kohli 692 AUS 201

BGT: Jaiswal’s Resilience Amid Challenges

Despite India’s 3-1 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) to Australia, Jaiswal’s individual brilliance stood out. He was the only Indian batter to shine in the series, scoring 391 runs—second only to Travis Head’s 448 runs for Australia. His ability to hold the innings together in difficult conditions showcased his maturity and resilience under pressure.

The Fastest to 1,000 Runs for India

Jaiswal’s rise was even more impressive considering how quickly he achieved milestones. He became the second-fastest Indian to score 1,000 runs in Test cricket, achieving the feat in just 16 innings, trailing only Vinod Kambli (14 innings). This rapid ascent through the ranks highlighted his exceptional talent and composure at the crease.

Fastest To 1000 Runs For India in Tests
Player Innings Year Year
Kambli 14 1994 1971
Jaiswal 16 2024 1979
Pujara 18 2010 2024

 

A Future Full of Promise

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 2024 was nothing short of exceptional. His consistency across various formats and his ability to adapt in challenging series make him one of the brightest young talents in world cricket. As he continues to break records and lead India’s batting charge, Jaiswal’s career trajectory suggests a future filled with even greater achievements, cementing his place as one of the game’s top players.

Image Credits: Getty Images