Yashasvi Jaiswal joins elite list of Indian cricketers after scoring 84 at the MCG

2024 has seen Yashasvi Jaiswal climb up the echelons of Indian cricket in stunning fashion. Even in Melbourne, with the rest of the Indian batters struggling, Jaiswal stamped his authority with a warring 84 and was India’s last beacon of hope.

In the process, Jaiswal joined an elite club, becoming the third-highest Indian run-scorer in Test cricket in a calendar year. With 1478 runs to conclude 2024, Jaiswal found himself behind Sachin Tendulkar who hammered 1562 runs in 2010 and Sunil Gavaskar who amassed 1555 runs in 1979.

Jaiswal did well in spearheading the Indian charge until a questionable call flipped India’s fortunes, splitting the world into two factions. It was the fifth ball of the 71st overs when Jaiswal tried to pull away Pat Cummins. Much to the southpaw’s surprise, it had a bit more bounce than he anticipated and the ball came mighty close to his gloves with a visible deflection en route to the gloves of Alex Carey.

The on-field umpire was not convinced with the call while Australia referred that for a review. Much to the surprise of Jaiswal, the third-umpire deemed the deflection enough to adjudge Jaiswal as out despite the snickometer not showing any spike. The fall of Jaiswal cemented India’s capitulation in Melbourne.

Five fastest Indian run-scorers in Test cricket in a calendar year:

Sachin Tendulkar – 1562 runs in 2010

Sunil Gavaskar – 1555 runs in 1979

Yashasvi Jaiswal – 1478 runs in 2024

Virender Sehwag – 1462 runs in 2008

Virender Sehwag – 1422 runs in 2010