Yashasvi Jaiswal made an unforgettable impact in the second innings of the first Test between India and Australia, held at Optus Stadium in Perth from November 22 to 25.
The 22-year-old left-handed batter, opening the innings for India, delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 161 runs. Jaiswal faced 297 balls during his remarkable innings, hitting 15 fours and 3 sixes.
His partnership with KL Rahul (77) was crucial, as the duo added 201 runs for the first wicket, with Rahul standing in for Rohit Sharma, who was absent for the match.
Jaiswal’s stellar knock earned him widespread acclaim from fans, cricket experts, and former cricket legends around the world. As he marked his first-ever tour to Australia, this brilliant performance in the opening Test set a high standard for his future matches. The young batter’s excellent display in Perth has not only earned him recognition but has also ignited hopes for continued success in the second Test, which began on December 6 in Adelaide. His consistent form could play a pivotal role in India’s journey through the series.
Dear Lykkers, as the second Test at Adelaide Oval unfolds, Jaiswal has an exciting opportunity to surpass the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most Test runs scored by an Indian in a single calendar year. Currently, Jaiswal has accumulated 1280 runs from his 12 Test matches. To break Tendulkar's record of 1562 runs, Jaiswal needs 283 more runs. Should he manage this feat, it would mark an extraordinary achievement in his young career.
Tendulkar’s Record
Tendulkar’s record of 1562 runs was set in 2010, spanning across 14 Tests. It is one of the many milestones in his illustrious career. To date, Jaiswal’s total of 1280 runs places him among some of India’s greatest batters, and a solid performance in the second Test could see him surpass the cricketing legend.
Jaiswal’s 1280 runs so far in 2024 have placed him among India’s top performers in a calendar year. However, the record for the most Test runs in a single calendar year still belongs to Mohammad Yousuf, who scored an astounding 1788 runs in 2006. Other notable names who hold high positions in the overall list include West Indies' Vivian Richards, England's Joe Root, and South Africa's Graeme Smith. These towering figures are currently ahead of Jaiswal, but the young batter has the potential to join their ranks if he continues his dominant run.
Most Test Runs in a Calendar Year
• Mohammad Yousuf – 1788 runs in 2006
• Vivian Richards (West Indies) – 1710 runs in 1976
• Joe Root (England) – 1708 runs in 2021
• Graeme Smith (South Africa) – 1656 runs in 2008
• Michael Clarke (Australia) – 1595 runs in 2012
• Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 1562 runs in 2010
Most Test Runs in a Calendar Year for India
• Sachin Tendulkar – 1562 runs in 2010
• Virender Sehwag – 1462 runs in 2008
• Virender Sehwag – 1422 runs in 2010
• Sunil Gavaskar – 1407 runs in 1979
• Sachin Tendulkar – 1392 runs in 2002
• Gundappa Viswanath – 1388 runs in 1979
• Rahul Dravid – 1357 runs in 2002
• Virat Kohli – 1322 runs in 2018
• Sunil Gavaskar – 1310 runs in 1983
• Yashasvi Jaiswal – 1280 runs in 2024*
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s exceptional performance in the first Test also saw him rise to a career-best No. 2 position in the ICC Test batter rankings. This promotion reflects his rapid growth and consistency in the format. His success has put him in close competition with the world’s best batters, including Joe Root, who currently holds the No. 1 spot. If Jaiswal maintains his form in the ongoing series, there is a strong possibility he will overtake Root and secure the top position in the ICC rankings.
With four more Tests remaining in the series, Jaiswal's quest for further runs and records is only just beginning. His performance in these upcoming matches will determine whether he can continue his upward trajectory in both international cricket and the ICC rankings. His remarkable start to the series has created high expectations, and if he maintains his focus, he could not only break Tendulkar’s record but also further cement his place among India’s cricketing elite.