On This Day in 2024: Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a majestic double-hundred
February 3, 2024, became a historic day for young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal as he etched his name in the record books with a scintillating maiden Test double century against England. During the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam, 22-year-old Jaiswal achieved his maiden double century in Test cricket. Resuming his innings on Day 2 at 179 not out, Jaiswal reached the 200-run mark with a six and a four off debutant spinner Shoaib Bashir, showcasing his aggressive batting style. His remarkable innings included 19 fours and seven sixes, propelling India to a total of 396 runs in their first innings.
This feat made Jaiswal the third-youngest Indian to score a double century in Test cricket, following Vinod Kambli and Sunil Gavaskar. Kambli holds the record as the youngest, having scored a double century against England at 21 years and 335 days in 1993. Jaiswal’s double century was also significant as he became the first Indian left-handed opener to achieve this milestone against England.
Jaiswal’s journey to this achievement is inspiring. Hailing from Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, he moved to Mumbai at the age of 11 to pursue cricket. Facing financial challenges, he lived in tents with groundsmen at Azad Maidan and took up odd jobs, including selling pani puri, to sustain himself. His dedication paid off when he emerged as the leading run-getter in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup, which led to his selection by the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL the same year.
In his short Test career, Jaiswal has made a significant impact. He scored 171 runs on his debut against the West Indies in 2023 and followed it up with an 80-run innings in the series opener against England in Hyderabad, despite India’s 28-run loss. His double century in Visakhapatnam not only highlighted his talent but also underscored his potential to be a mainstay in India’s batting lineup.
Jaiswal’s performance drew praise from cricketing legends and fans alike. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen lauded him, stating, “Jaiswal – one of the greatest stories in world sport.” His innings were a testament to his resilience, skill, and determination, marking him as one of the most promising talents in international cricket.
