Summary
Introduction: The Rise of a Future Legend
In the modern cricketing era, where talent is abundant but patience is scarce, one player has defied the odds and risen through pure grit, skill, and conviction — Yashasvi Jaiswal. At just 23, the left-handed prodigy has already carved a niche among the game’s elite with Test centuries in the West Indies, Australia, and now England.
But behind every great player’s rise is a visionary who believed when others doubted. In Jaiswal’s case, that person is Ajit Agarkar, India’s chairman of selectors. As revealed by Sanjay Manjrekar, when selectors and experts were hesitant about Jaiswal’s overseas credentials, it was Agarkar who silenced the noise and doubled down on his faith in the young batter.
Ajit Agarkar’s Bold Faith Amid Criticism
Before the England tour began, the debate around India’s new-age batting lineup intensified. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma unavailable, critics questioned if youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal could carry the weight of India’s batting.
Sanjay Manjrekar recently highlighted this divide:
“They spoke of technique, temperament, the Dukes ball… but Ajit Agarkar shut the outside noise and backed Jaiswal to the hilt,” he said on air.
Agarkar not only included Jaiswal in the squad but reportedly pushed for him to open in challenging SENA conditions, a decision now hailed as “visionary.”
Jaiswal’s Incredible Stats Since Debut
Jaiswal’s numbers speak louder than any critic.
| Series/Opponent | Matches | 100s | Runs | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Indies (2023) | 2 | 1 | 266 | 88.67 |
| Australia (2025) | 2 | 1 | 231 | 57.75 |
| England (2024-25) | 6 | 3 | 763 | 76.30 |
5 Test centuries
Centuries in West Indies, Australia, and England
Over 1,200 runs in less than 2 years
England Masterclass: Jaiswal’s 101 at Leeds
In the first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 at Headingley, Leeds, Jaiswal showcased a mix of fearless stroke-play and strategic caution. His century came under overcast skies with swing, seam, and expectations all stacked against him.
Jaiswal’s Day 1 Batting Highlights:
| Score | Balls Faced | Fours | Strike Rate | Session |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | 144 | 16 | 70.1 | Day 1 |
He became the first Indian to score centuries on debut in England and Australia, a record even legends like Tendulkar, Kohli, and Dravid don’t own.
Why Ajit Agarkar’s Support Mattered
Selectors play a huge but often thankless role in shaping careers. While others doubted Jaiswal’s readiness for foreign conditions:
- Agarkar saw maturity beyond age
- Valued domestic red-ball consistency
- Supported continuity over reputation
This contrasts with previous BCCI regimes, where form was often overlooked for seniority.
Selection Moments That Defined Ajit Agarkar’s Trust:
| Timeline | Decision | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| WI Series 2023 | Handed Test debut | 171 on debut |
| Aus Tour 2025 | Retained despite calls for rotation | 161 at Perth (MOTM) |
| Eng Tour 2025 | Picked to open in away conditions | 101 in first Test at Leeds |
The Role of Jwala Singh and Jaiswal’s Journey
Credit must also go to Jwala Singh, Jaiswal’s childhood coach who discovered him living in a tent at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Along with his father, Singh laid the foundation for what is now India’s next Fab Four contender.
From cleaning utensils for food to wearing the India jersey, Jaiswal’s journey has the makings of a movie — but it was made real by grit, not glamour.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Test Century Timeline
| Test Century No. | Opponent | Venue | Year | Score | Notable Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Indies | Dominica | 2023 | 171 | Century on Test debut |
| 2 | Australia | Perth | 2025 | 161 | First century in Australia |
| 3 | England | Rajkot | 2024 | 209 | Maiden double century |
| 4 | England | Ranchi | 2024 | 104 | Helped India seal the series |
| 5 | England | Leeds | 2025 | 101 | First Test in England – debut century |
Indian Batters Who Scored Centuries in England and Australia on Debut
| Player | Century on Aus Debut | Century on Eng Debut | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Yes (161 at Perth) | Yes (101 at Leeds) | First ever to achieve this milestone |
| Sachin Tendulkar | No | No | 2nd & 3rd attempt respectively |
| Virat Kohli | No | No | Took multiple innings |
| Rahul Dravid | No | No | Century came later in careers |
Ajit Agarkar’s Key Selection Decisions for Jaiswal
| Series | Selection Move | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| WI Series 2023 | Included Jaiswal for debut | Scored 171 – Player of the Match |
| Home vs England 2024 | Retained him despite form dip | Scored 209, 104 in back-to-back Tests |
| Aus Tour 2025 | Backed to open ahead of senior options | Scored 161 in Perth |
| Eng Tour 2025 | Retained him despite a form dip | Scored 101 in Leeds |
Yashasvi Jaiswal Career Test Stats (as of June 2025)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 14 |
| Test Runs | 1,456 |
| Centuries | 5 |
| Half-Centuries | 4 |
| Highest Score | 209 |
| Average | 66.18 |
| 100s in SENA Countries | 2 (Aus, Eng) |
People Behind Jaiswal’s Rise
| Name | Role | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Jwala Singh | Personal Coach | Trained Jaiswal from childhood, mentor |
| Ajit Agarkar | Selector (BCCI) | Backed Jaiswal in key overseas series |
| Yashasvi’s Father | Family Support | Emotional and moral backbone |
Why Jaiswal Is India’s Biggest Batting Hope Now
With Kohli and Rohit nearing the end of their red-ball careers, India is scouting for future Test pillars. Jaiswal fits the bill because:
- He’s technically sound against pace and spin
- Possesses a big-match temperament
- Already has overseas experience and success
- Can play both anchor and aggressor roles
Key Strengths of Yashasvi Jaiswal:
| Attribute | Rating (/10) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Technique | 9.0 | Especially strong vs pace and swing |
| Temperament | 9.5 | Proven under pressure away from home |
| Stroke Play | 8.5 | Elegant and fearless |
| Adaptability | 9.0 | Has delivered in multiple conditions |
| Fitness | 8.0 | Has shown great endurance in innings |
Conclusion: When Faith Meets Performance
Jaiswal’s innings at Leeds isn’t just about a hundred — it’s a testament to the power of belief, both self-belief and the trust placed in him by others like Ajit Agarkar. In a cricket ecosystem quick to write players off, Agarkar’s decision to back Jaiswal has now aged like fine wine.
From a boy sleeping in tents to India’s overseas hero — Jaiswal’s journey is far from over, but the foundation is solid. And behind it stands not just talent, but trust.
Note: All information and images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
FAQs: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Rise & Ajit Agarkar’s Visionary Backing
Q1: Why is Yashasvi Jaiswal being hailed as India’s future batting star?
Yashasvi Jaiswal, at just 23, has scored centuries in the West Indies, Australia, and England within two years of his Test debut. His big-match temperament, technical solidity, and overseas success make him India’s next batting pillar.
Q2: What role did Ajit Agarkar play in Yashasvi Jaiswal’s success?
India’s chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, showed unwavering faith in Jaiswal even when critics questioned his readiness for overseas conditions. Agarkar backed him to open in challenging SENA countries, a decision now celebrated as visionary.
Q3: What were Sanjay Manjrekar’s comments on this selection decision?
Sanjay Manjrekar revealed that when experts doubted Jaiswal’s technique and temperament in tough conditions, Ajit Agarkar “shut the outside noise” and firmly supported the young batter’s inclusion and opening role.
Q4: What are Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Test stats as of June 2025?
- Matches: 14
- Runs: 1,456
- Centuries: 5
- Half-Centuries: 4
- Average: 66.18
- Highest Score: 209
- 100s in SENA Countries: 2 (Australia, England)
Q5: What was special about Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century at Leeds?
Jaiswal scored 101 off 144 balls on Day 1 against England, becoming the first Indian to hit centuries on debut in both England and Australia — a record even legends like Tendulkar, Dravid, or Kohli never achieved.
Q6: How did Yashasvi Jaiswal’s cricket journey begin?
From living in tents at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan to cleaning utensils for food, Jaiswal’s early struggles were immense. His coach Jwala Singh and father played key roles in shaping his cricketing career, turning hardship into determination.
Q7: Why is Ajit Agarkar’s selection approach seen as a game-changer?
Agarkar prioritized performance, temperament, and domestic consistency over reputation or seniority. This contrasts with past selection trends and shows a forward-looking mindset for India’s Test future.
Q8: How does Yashasvi Jaiswal rank among India’s young batting talents?
With five Test centuries, success in foreign conditions, and the ability to play anchor or aggressor roles, Jaiswal is emerging as the most reliable young batter for India’s next generation of Test cricket.
Q9: What are Yashasvi Jaiswal’s key strengths as a batter?
| Attribute | Rating (/10) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Technique | 9.0 | Strong vs pace and swing |
| Temperament | 9.5 | Calm under pressure overseas |
| Stroke Play | 8.5 | Elegant yet fearless batting |
| Adaptability | 9.0 | Performs across varied conditions |
| Fitness | 8.0 | Can bat long innings without fatigue |
Q10: Why is Yashasvi Jaiswal important for India’s Test future?
With veterans like Kohli and Rohit nearing retirement, India needs reliable red-ball batters. Jaiswal’s overseas centuries, consistency, and youth make him the ideal candidate to carry India’s Test batting legacy forward.
Q11: What message does Jaiswal’s journey send to aspiring cricketers?
It proves that talent, hard work, and the right backing can overcome even the toughest beginnings. From tents to Test hundreds, Jaiswal’s story is one of perseverance, opportunity, and belief.
Q12: What does Ajit Agarkar’s faith in Jaiswal signify for Indian cricket?
It highlights the importance of selectors who look beyond short-term criticism and back young talent for the long haul, shaping India’s future champions with bold decisions.