Yashasvi Jaiswal once again showcased his class with a stunning innings in the second Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. The 23-year-old left-hander struck a magnificent 175 runs off 258 balls, laced with 22 boundaries, setting a strong platform for India on Day 1.
His aggressive yet composed strokeplay saw him dispatching the West Indian bowlers to all corners of the Feroz Shah Kotla ground, ensuring India gained early control of the match. The innings reaffirmed his status as one of India’s most consistent red-ball performers, with the young Mumbaikar combining flair and patience in equal measure.
Brian Lara’s Special Compliment and Request
Jaiswal’s exceptional knock earned praise from cricketing legend and former West Indies captain Brian Lara, who is currently in Delhi. In a video shared by the BCCI, Lara warmly congratulated Jaiswal with a hug and humorously remarked, “Don’t beat our bowlers that bad.” The light-hearted exchange reflected Lara’s admiration for Jaiswal’s performance and the friendly spirit between the two cricketing nations.
The young opener, who is now India’s highest-ranked Test batter, responded with humility, acknowledging the influence of senior players and the importance of staying grounded.
Speaking about his approach at the crease, Jaiswal shared insights into his disciplined mindset:
“I always put the team first, how I can play for my team and what is important for my team at that moment. If I have a start, I make sure that I should make it big.”
His focus on team contribution over personal milestones exemplifies his growing maturity as a Test cricketer.
Partnerships and Mindset Behind the Milestone
Jaiswal’s innings was further bolstered by a crucial 193-run stand for the second wicket with debutant B Sai Sudharsan, who contributed a steady 87 from 165 balls. The duo displayed excellent communication and shot selection, rotating the strike efficiently and capitalizing on loose deliveries. “We were just chatting in the middle that if we are set, we should take it long and play our shots when possible,” Jaiswal said, appreciating Sudharsan’s composure.
He also praised Shubman Gill, who remained unbeaten on 129, adding,
“Gill bhai has batted amazingly as always… when he’s in, he controls the game beautifully.”
Unfortunately, Jaiswal’s innings ended in heartbreak when a mix-up with Gill led to his run-out on 175, denying him a potential third double century. Yet, his innings stood as a testament to his temperament, teamwork, and technical brilliance — qualities that continue to elevate Indian cricket’s next generation.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.