Yashasvi Jaiswal, the 23-year-old batting prodigy, has once again silenced critics and electrified fans with a magnificent 175 against the West Indies in the second Test at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium . His innings was a masterful blend of youthful aggression and mature patience, anchoring India’s first innings and showcasing why he’s considered one of the most exciting talents in world cricket today.
This knock wasn’t just about the runs; it was about the statement. In just his 13th Test match, Jaiswal has already amassed an incredible seven Test centuries, including two double-hundreds . This latest 175 is his fifth score of 150 or more in the longest format, a statistic that places him in elite company . His ability to convert starts into massive scores is a hallmark of a truly great Test batsman.
The cricketing world is now buzzing with a tantalizing question: Can Jaiswal chase down Virender Sehwag’s legendary Indian record of 319? Sehwag’s monumental innings against South Africa in Chennai back in 2008 remains the highest individual score by an Indian in Test cricket . It was a whirlwind assault that redefined what was possible for an opener in the modern era.
Sehwag didn’t just set a record; he created a benchmark of fearless, boundary-laden batting. His 319 came off a mere 304 balls, a strike rate that was unheard of for such a colossal score at the time . This record isn’t just a number; it’s a symbol of audacious, game-changing cricket that every young Indian batsman aspires to emulate.
While both are explosive openers from India, their styles offer a fascinating contrast. Sehwag was the original ‘Nawab of Najafgarh,’ a batsman who treated every ball as a potential boundary, often leaving bowlers bewildered. Jaiswal, on the other hand, has shown a more classical foundation, building his innings with solid technique before unleashing his powerful cover drives and lofted shots.
| Statistic | Virender Sehwag | Yashasvi Jaiswal (so far) |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Test Score | 319 vs SA (2008) | 214* vs ENG (2024) |
| Test Centuries | 23 | 7 |
| Double Centuries | 6 | 2 |
| Batting Style | Ultra-aggressive, 360-degree | Elegant, powerful, with a strong classical base |
The comparison isn’t about who is better, but about the legacy Jaiswal is building. He is already the third-youngest cricketer in Test history to have two double centuries, a list that features only Sir Don Bradman and Vinod Kambli ahead of him .
Chasing a 300+ score is a monumental task that requires a perfect storm of form, pitch conditions, opposition bowling, and, most importantly, immense concentration over two full days of batting. Jaiswal’s recent form, however, suggests he has the temperament for it. His ability to dominate attacks for long periods, as seen in his 209 against England in Visakhapatnam, proves he can bat for a long time .
The pressure to break Sehwag’s record is now a topic of national conversation. While it’s a heavy burden for a young player, Jaiswal has so far shown a remarkable ability to handle expectations. His 175 in Delhi, even if it ended in a heartbreaking run-out , was a clear signal that he operates on a different plane. The journey to 300 has begun, and the cricketing world will be watching with bated breath.
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