Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has voiced his unwavering confidence in young opening batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal, unequivocally stating his belief that Jaiswal possesses the inherent talent to become a permanent fixture across all formats of the game. During an interview on the Cricket Predicta TV Show, Lal expressed his strong conviction, asserting that if he were a selector, he would never omit the left-handed batsman from any squad. He passionately articulated:
“If I held the position of a selector, I would absolutely ensure Jaiswal`s presence in every format. He is a genuine match-winner, having already demonstrated his capabilities, even in challenging conditions like Australia. Whether it`s the Asia Cup, an ODI, or a Test match, a player of his calibre should always be in the starting XI. When an individual can single-handedly turn the tide of a match, you must offer unwavering support. Jaiswal represents the bright future of Indian cricket, and in my opinion, he ought to feature in all three formats.”
Yashasvi Jaiswal`s Stellar Batting Records
Jaiswal`s Test career statistics underscore his rapid emergence as one of the premier batters globally. In 26 matches (49 innings), he has amassed a remarkable 2,428 runs at an impressive average of 51.65, including seven centuries and twelve half-centuries. His highest individual score stands at an outstanding 214*, with five of his seven centuries surpassing the 150-run mark, and two of them being magnificent double hundreds.
His exceptional talent is equally evident in T20 Internationals, where he has accumulated 723 runs in 22 innings across 23 matches. His average of 36.15, coupled with a striking strike rate exceeding 164, includes one century and five half-centuries, with a top score of 100. Furthermore, Jaiswal has been a consistently prolific performer for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over recent seasons. In the latest season, he registered 559 runs in 14 innings, maintaining an average of 43.00 and a strike rate approaching 160, which featured six half-centuries and a best score of 75.
Despite these outstanding displays across formats, Jaiswal`s most recent T20I appearance was in July of the previous year. During his focus on Test cricket, other openers such as Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson capitalized on opportunities to cement their places. For India, he has only featured in one One Day International (ODI), scoring 15 runs. In List-A cricket, his record is equally compelling, with 1,526 runs from 33 innings (46 matches) at an average of 52.62, including five centuries, seven half-centuries, and a highest score of 203.
Madan Lal`s Insights on Virat Kohli and Cricketing Legacies
Transitioning his commentary, the 1983 World Cup-winning stalwart also offered his perspective on Virat Kohli`s mental state ahead of India`s challenging tour of Australia, stressing the immense psychological demands such a series entails. “Virat must now push beyond his perceived comfort zone as he prepares to face a formidable Australian side,” Lal observed. He acknowledged Kohli`s profound contributions to Indian cricket, noting that his passion, supreme fitness, and relentless hunger have established unprecedented standards. “What he needs most at this juncture is mental resilience,” Madan Lal emphasized. Referring to a past decision, Lal stated, “Retirement is his personal choice, but yes, I was surprised when he decided to retire from Test cricket.”
The esteemed 1983 World Cup champion also made an heartfelt appeal to both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the fervent Indian cricket fan base, urging for a deserving and dignified farewell for two legendary players who have dedicated their entire careers to the sport.
“Rohit and Virat still have a significant amount of high-level cricket left in them,” Madan Lal concluded. “They are truly deserving of a farewell that evokes widespread emotion—a tribute akin to what the world will witness when Rafael Nadal eventually retires. India has a moral imperative to honor them in a comparable manner, as players of their extraordinary caliber emerge only once in a generation.”
