IND vs ENG 1st Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Unique Brilliance Decoded by Former Rajasthan Royals Teammates
In the high-octane world of T20 cricket and the IPL, Yashasvi Jaiswal is known for his audacious 360-degree shots and fearless aggression. Yet, in the longest format of the game, the young Indian opener transforms into a patient craftsman, biding his time before unleashing calculated strikes. This duality was on full display during the 1st Test against England at Leeds, where the 23-year-old prodigy notched a stunning century, further cementing his reputation as one of cricket’s brightest talents.
On Day 1 of the five-match Test series at Headingley, Jaiswal played an innings of remarkable contrast. His first 50 runs came off a measured 96 balls, showcasing grit and discipline. But the second 50? A blistering 48 balls, underlining his ability to dominate when the time is right. This fifth Test century, his third against England, saw him join an elite list of Indian greats—Vijay Manjrekar, Sourav Ganguly, Sandeep Patil, and Murali Vijay—by scoring a hundred in his maiden Test innings on English soil. Unfortunately, his knock was cut short at 101, but not before leaving an indelible mark on the game.
What sets Jaiswal apart? Beyond the numbers lies a story of hunger, resilience, and adaptability. Hailing from humble beginnings in Uttar Pradesh, where he once sold pani puri to make ends meet, Jaiswal’s journey is the stuff of legend. Cricket pundits often point to his inherent desperation to succeed as the fuel behind his meteoric rise. But those who’ve shared a dressing room with him at Rajasthan Royals offer deeper insights into the mindset of this modern-day marvel.
Jos Buttler, the swashbuckling England batter and Jaiswal’s former IPL teammate, attributes the youngster’s success across formats to his fearless approach. Speaking to TimesofIndia.com during IPL 2025 preparations, Buttler said, “It’s probably the mindset—the willingness to take risks. From the outside, it might seem reckless, but for players like Jaiswal, it’s just instinct. He plays a variety of shots from the very first ball.” Buttler also highlighted Jaiswal’s strong fundamentals, noting, “He has excellent basics—a solid base, good head position, everything in sync. That foundation allows him to build the rest of his game, whether it’s T20 or Test cricket.”
Buttler’s admiration for Jaiswal was evident even during India’s home series against England in early 2024, where the southpaw smashed 712 runs, including a double century. Despite the punishment England endured, Buttler couldn’t help but celebrate his former teammate. In an Instagram story at the time, he wrote, “Shame he’s doing it against England, but very hard not to be so happy for @yashasvijaiswal28. Getting everything he deserves from his talent, hunger, and work ethic. WHAT A STAR!”
Joe Root, another Rajasthan Royals colleague from IPL 2023, echoed similar sentiments. “His ability to strike cleanly and blast the ball to all parts from ball one is impressive,” Root remarked. “But what stands out is his knack for transferring those skills to Test cricket. It shows he has a very sound technique.” Root’s words ring true, especially considering Jaiswal’s exploits this year—after dominating the home series against England, he emerged as India’s leading run-scorer in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia with 391 runs, including a majestic 161 in Perth and two fifties in Melbourne.
As Jaiswal continues to dazzle on his first Test tour of England with this Leeds century, it’s clear that his blend of classical technique and modern aggression is a rare commodity. From the streets of Bhadohi to the grand stage of international cricket, his journey embodies the spirit of perseverance. With mentors like Buttler and Root singing his praises, and a growing list of records under his belt, Yashasvi Jaiswal isn’t just playing cricket—he’s redefining it. How far will this wonderkid go? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the world is watching.