Yashasvi Jaiswal’s stellar performance in the Test arena has propelled him to new heights in the ICC Test Rankings, as the young opener climbs three spots to reach a career-best 12th position in the latest update on February 28. Surpassing his opening partner, Rohit Sharma, who now sits at No. 13, Jaiswal’s ascent reflects his consistent run-scoring spree during the ongoing series against England.
With an impressive tally of 655 runs across the first four Tests, Yashasvi Jaiswal has emerged as a standout performer, wielding his bat with finesse and determination. His remarkable achievement includes two double centuries, equalling the record for the most runs in a bilateral Test series against England, a feat previously held by Virat Kohli.
Speaking of Kohli, although he remains India’s highest-ranked Test batter, the former skipper has slipped two spots to No. 9. Kohli’s decision to opt-out of the series due to paternity leave, following the birth of his son Akaay on February 15, has paved the way for emerging talents like Jaiswal to shine on the international stage.
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Yashasvi Jaiswal’s breakthrough performances have not only filled the void left by senior players but have also underscored his ability to deliver under pressure. His back-to-back double centuries mark him as only the third Indian, after Kohli and Vinod Kambli, to achieve such a feat in successive Test matches.
Yashasvi Jaiswal moves to number 12 in ICC Test batters ranking.
– He is 2nd behind Virat Kohli among Indians, What a growth. 🫡 #Jaiswal #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/a3Hm2ncmLH
— Nityananda Das🇮🇳 (@Jamesnisam5363) February 28, 2024
In tandem with Jaiswal’s rise, Shubman Gill’s consistent contributions have also been acknowledged, propelling him four spots up to No. 31 in the batting rankings. Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel, the hero of India’s recent Ranchi Test victory, attains a career-best ranking of 69. Gill’s revival came at a crucial juncture, with doubts looming over his Test future after a string of innings without significant scores.
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However, his composed century and two fifties in successive innings have silenced critics, cementing his place in the side. Similarly, Dhruv Jurel’s match-defining 90 in the first innings of the Ranchi Test, followed by an unbeaten 39 in the chase, showcased his resilience and maturity under pressure, earning him well-deserved recognition.
As the ICC Test Batting Rankings reveal, Jaiswal’s ascent solidifies his position among the top contenders in the world of Test cricket, with Kane Williamson leading the charts followed by stalwarts like Steve Smith and Joe Root. With promising young talents like Jaiswal and Gill making strides, Indian cricket looks poised for a bright future.
