Yashasvi Jaiswal has scored 1478 runs at an average of 54.74 in Tests in 2024. Let's have a look at the record-breaking year for Yashasvi Jaiswal.
“I believe in myself. That is why I am here.” This fearless and dynamic response, caught on the stump mic at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 30, 2024, summed up Yashasvi Jaiswal’s phenomenal year. The 23-year-old batter left an indelible mark in 2024 as the highest run-scorer across all formats, amassing an impressive 1,771 runs in international cricket — the highest by an India batter in the year.
Jaiswal cemented his reputation as one of India’s most promising and reliable batters, capable of rescuing the team in precarious situations. From dominating England’s bowlers in Tests early in the year to ending 2024 on a high note in his maiden Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series at the iconic MCG, Yashasvi’s remarkable journey to stardom will be forever etched in cricketing history.
New dynamic southpaw at the top after Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan’s consistency, combined with his scoring rate at the top of the order alongside Rohit Sharma, underscores his significance as an opener for Team India. His ability to complement his partner’s game, especially in multi-nation tournaments, highlights his efficiency and reliability in the role. In recent times, the partnership between Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal has emerged as a flexible and formidable pairing, reminiscent of the successful Rohit-Dhawan duo.
This synergy was particularly evident during the first Test against the West Indies in Dominica in July 2023, where they recorded the highest opening stand outside Asia. On debut, Jaiswal delivered a stellar performance, scoring a remarkable 171, as the pair accumulated a 229-run partnership. By combining Rohit’s experience and leadership with Jaiswal’s youthful aggression and solid technique, the duo has achieved significant milestones. In 15 Test matches, they have opened together in 28 innings, amassing 1,269 runs at an impressive average of 45.32.
Read More: Yashasvi Jaiswal cracks Perth code in style
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s run-rampage in 2024
Back-to-back double hundreds against England
Yashasvi Jaiswal began his 2024 with a home Test series against England, where he scored back-to-back double hundreds, becoming the third India batter, after Vinod Kambli and Virat Kohli, to achieve this feat in consecutive Test matches. He added another feather to his cap by becoming the fastest India batter to reach 1,000 runs in Test cricket while playing against England. Jaiswal took just nine matches and sixteen innings to break the record. Vinod Kambli, while reaching the milestone in 12 matches, achieved it in 14 innings.
Jaiswal amassed a staggering 712 runs at a stunning average of 89.00 across the five-match Test series. With this, he shattered the previous record of most runs by an India batter in a Test series against England, eclipsing Virat Kohli, who scored 655 runs in the 2016–17 series.
Eventful outings vs Bangladesh
In a two-match home Test series against Bangladesh, Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 189 runs at an average of 47.25. He achieved a rare historic feat during Day 1 of the first Test match in Chennai, becoming the first batter in the 147-year history of Test cricket to score more than 750 runs in his first 10 innings at home. The record, previously held by West Indies great George Headley, who scored 747 runs in 1935, was finally eclipsed.
Jaiswal shone brightly in the second Test at Green Park, Kanpur, where his sensational performances earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award. He smashed a quickfire 72 off just 51 balls in the first innings and followed it up with an explosive 51 off 45 balls in the second. His stellar efforts powered India to a convincing seven-wicket victory.
Form dips against the Kiwis at home
However, Yashasvi Jaiswal's sensational run-scoring abilities saw a dip in the home Test series against New Zealand. He managed to accumulate only 190 runs across three matches, with a solitary half-century (77), at an underwhelming average of 31.67. His poor returns with the bat exposed India’s batting order, allowing the New Zealand bowlers to rattle through the lineup. This contributed significantly to India’s first-ever Test series whitewash at home against New Zealand.
Back to full throttle against the Kangaroos
Yashasvi Jaiswal proved his mettle in his debut Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, scoring a remarkable 161 runs in the second innings of the Perth Test. This made him the second-youngest India batter after Sachin Tendulkar to score a century at Perth. A standout moment from Jaiswal’s innings was his audacious ramp shot off a Josh Hazlewood bouncer, bringing up his fourth Test century and his first in a SENA country. He capped off 2024 on a promising note at the MCG, registering valiant scores of 82 and 84.
Jaiswal is currently India’s leading run-scorer in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy with 359 runs in four matches, only trailing Australia’s Travis Head, who tops the charts with 410 runs.
Read More: Yashasvi Jaiswal average dips to 36.9 against pacers; How should he address this weakness?
Jaiswal’s Test outings of 2024 in numbers
Jaiswal’s 2024 Test performances have been phenomenal. He scored 1,478 runs at an average of 54.74, including three centuries and nine fifties. His highest score was an unbeaten 214 against England. This achievement saw him surpass Virender Sehwag’s record of 1,462 runs in 2008, recording the best calendar year by an India opener. He now sits fourth on the overall list of openers for most runs in a calendar year, behind Graeme Smith’s 1,656 runs in 2008.
Additionally, Jaiswal is second on the list of most Test runs by an India batter in a calendar year, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar’s 1,562 runs in 2010. In the ongoing 2024-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, Jaiswal is the second-highest run-scorer with 1,478 runs, chasing Joe Root’s 1,556 runs.
In total, Jaiswal has mustered 1,771 runs in 2024 across 23 international matches, with an impressive average of 52.08. This puts him second on the list of highest run-scorers this year, behind Kusal Mendis, who has accumulated 1,860 runs.
What sets Yashasvi Jaiswal apart?
Yashasvi Jaiswal is known for his aggressive stroke play and his ability to dominate attacks. He adapts his game to suit the demands of the situation, whether it's attacking the bowlers and scoring quick runs or playing a more controlled and defensive role. Jaiswal can be an aggressor, seizing control of the game and taking the attack to the opposition. However, his game is not just about scoring quickly; he also excels at building partnerships, especially when the team is under pressure. When early wickets fall, Jaiswal plays the anchor role, helping his team weather intense sessions and preventing collapses.
Once set at the crease, Jaiswal’s ability to extend his innings and score consistently at a rapid pace is one of his key strengths. He doesn’t throw away his wicket after getting a solid start and has consistently converted his centuries into big scores. All four of his centuries in Test cricket have been converted into scores of 150 or more, showcasing his maturity and concentration at the crease.
A standout feature of his batting is his ability to pierce the offside field with cover drives and cuts, displaying his exquisite timing and placement. His pull shots, executed with power and precision off short deliveries, highlight his strong bat swing and control. Jaiswal has also proven to be highly effective against spin bowling in Test cricket, amassing 886 runs in 19 innings at an outstanding average of 80.5.
The Jaiswal code
The charismatic southpaw has quickly become known for his reliability, resilience, adaptability, and calm demeanor, which have all contributed to his impressive batting prowess. His match-winning temperament, combined with a strong belief in himself and his fearless approach, has captured the attention of both admirers and experts alike.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s success can also be attributed to his strong work ethic and unwavering dedication to the game. According to his coach, Jwala Singh, it’s Jaiswal’s work ethic and understanding of his role that set him apart from other players. He is known to regularly engage in pep talks with senior players, constantly seeking to learn and improve his game.
At just 23, Yashasvi Jaiswal has already captivated the cricketing world. Sunil Gavaskar highlighted his hunger for runs, saying, “He’s hungry for runs, and that’s exactly what Indian cricket needs.” Similarly, Ian Bishop celebrated Jaiswal’s rise, emphasizing, “He’s overcome life’s adversity with great character and self-belief.” Moreover, Glenn Maxwell believes Jaiswal’s future is bright, predicting, “He’s a guy that will probably get more than 40 Test hundreds.”
Following Jaiswal’s century against England, Harsha Bhogle was full of praise, describing it as a “magnificent, mature innings.” Bhogle, covering the Perth Test, further added, “He is going to go down as one of the greatest.” With such high praise from cricketing legends, Jaiswal’s journey is just beginning, and he looks set to become a key figure in Indian cricket.
Read More: IND vs ENG, 2024: Story of Young Yashasvi Jaiswal - From Grassroots to International Glory
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