Introduction: A prodigy in pursuit of the big score
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s ascent in Test cricket is becoming the stuff of legend. The 23-year-old Indian opener has consistently converted starts into monumental knocks, earning praise from cricket legends and pundits alike. His latest epic, a 175 in the second Test against the West Indies, sparked celebratory reactions from former captains and coaches who see in him a relentless work ethic and a drive to pile up the ‘daddy hundreds’ that define great careers.
The numbers that hint at greatness
Jaiswal’s tally of 150+ scores before turning 24 is extraordinary. With his fifth 150+ score in Tests, he sits alongside the most prolific young openers in history, a list that includes legends such as Don Bradman. His ability to convert fifties into hundreds stands at nearly 39.6% after 49 Test innings, a figure higher than Tendulkar, Ponting, Lara, and even Virat Kohli at a similar stage. With seven Test centuries already, he’s in elite company and only a handful of players have greater early returns for an opener before 24.
What drives the ‘khadoos’ mentality
Cricket mentor Zubin Bharucha describes Mumbai’s famed “khadoos mentality” as central to Jaiswal’s approach. The culture of intense competition and the willingness to endure hardship—such as living in tents and grinding through punishing practice sessions—has shaped a mindset focused on making the most of every opportunity. Bharucha recalls meals, late-night nets, and the singular aim of perfecting every shot, from the onside game to the reserve sweep. “Preparation is where the magic starts,” Bharucha says, recounting sessions where Jaiswal trained until the early hours to chase perfection.
Every shot, every practice, every lesson
The discipline is evident in his readiness to tackle challenging drills. A memory shared by Bharucha details a session against Jofra Archer where a sidearm pacer delivered 150 kph bouncers. Jaiswal’s willingness to face fearsome pace underscores his commitment to expanding his skill set, even when risk is high. Sri Lanka batting coach Julian Wood likens his talent to Abhishek Sharma, praising Jaiswal’s clarity of thought, body positioning, and the ability to manipulate the field under pressure. This mental clarity, Wood notes, helps him minimize errors and convert pressure into scoring opportunities.
Support from peers and mentors
Former Indian cricketers Pravin Amre and Wasim Jaffer have stood in admiration of Jaiswal’s consistency and resilience. Amre highlights his left-handed advantage and the knack for turning starts into big scores, while Jaffer believes there is plenty more to come. The player’s own circle emphasizes the importance of listening and adaptation. Bharucha explains that Jaiswal regularly seeks feedback, correcting his stance against left-arm spin and refining his preparation plans for tours in Australia and England.
A role model in the modern era
Jaiswal idolizes Sachin Tendulkar and has attempted to emulate the Master Blaster’s discipline from a young age. Satish Samant, a former Mumbai U-19 coach, recalls Jaiswal’s early promotions and his unflinching focus in nets. The tale of a young batman told to avoid the slog sweep at times because of prior dismissals shows the calculated patience that underpins his explosive potential. The narrative around Jaiswal is not just about raw talent; it’s about the painstaking process that turns raw talent into durable excellence.
Looking ahead: the journey continues
With each big score, Jaiswal cements his status as a modern great-in-waiting. The cricketing world marvels at his conversion rate, his mental toughness, and the relentless drive to push past his own limits. If his current trajectory holds, the future may well belong to a player who treats every innings as a chance to sculpt another daddy hundred, etching his name deeper into the record books and into the conversations of cricket’s most discerning historians.
