India’s talented opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has set a new record as the youngest Indian batter to score 1,000 runs in a calendar year in Test cricket. The left-handed prodigy achieved the milestone during India’s second Test match against New Zealand in Pune, reaching the landmark in his 30-run knock on Day 2.
His achievement came with a well-timed boundary off spinner Ajaz Patel in the 23rd over, marking another highlight in what has been a promising start to his Test career.
Jaiswal joins an elite group of cricketers who reached the 1,000-run mark in a calendar year before turning 23, including legends like Garfield Sobers, Graeme Smith, AB de Villiers, and Alastair Cook. With five Tests remaining this year, Jaiswal has the opportunity to surpass their runs tally, positioning him to potentially become the highest run-scorer in a calendar year for a player under 23.
Currently, the record for the most Test runs in a single year by an Indian belongs to Sachin Tendulkar, who scored 1,562 runs across 14 Tests in 2010, smashing seven centuries. The all-time record is held by Pakistan’s Mohammad Yousuf, who racked up an incredible 1,788 runs in 11 Tests in 2006, including nine hundreds. With Jaiswal’s form and India’s packed Test schedule, there’s speculation he could finish close to these benchmarks by year’s end.
In the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle, Jaiswal has already made a mark, amassing 1,295 runs in 13 Tests, with two double centuries. His performance places him second in the WTC run tally, only behind Joe Root, who has scored 1,717 runs in 19 Tests during this cycle. At just 21, Jaiswal’s adaptability and skill have been critical to his rise as a mainstay in India’s top order, further solidifying his presence in the team.
India’s captain Rohit Sharma praised Jaiswal for his dedication and potential, emphasizing his ability to perform across various conditions. “The guy has got real talent,” Sharma said ahead of the New Zealand series.
“He has got the game to play in all sorts of conditions. Obviously, very new to international cricket, so very hard to judge right now. But he has got all the ingredients for success at this level.”
Sharma highlighted Jaiswal’s domestic experience and maturity, adding that his steady rise through domestic and Under-19 cricket has prepared him well for the pressures of international competition.
At the domestic level, Jaiswal’s numbers are equally impressive. He has amassed 3,179 runs in just 51 first-class innings, with 12 centuries—a statistic that speaks to his consistency and hunger for runs. As India eyes further success in the WTC cycle, Jaiswal’s batting form will be crucial, making him a player to watch as he continues to carve out a path toward a remarkable career in Indian cricket.
