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 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 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 | Trusted in opening slot overseas | 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.