A New Era of Openers: Yashasvi Jaiswal and the Legacy of Shikhar Dhawan
India has long been known for producing technically sound and stylish openers, and among them are two names that have captured the attention of cricket fans across the country. Shikhar Dhawan and Yashasvi Jaiswal stand out as exceptional left-handed openers who have made their mark in the Test format. While Dhawan has already retired from international cricket, Jaiswal is now carving his own path, drawing comparisons to his predecessor due to his attacking style and consistent performances.
Shikhar Dhawan’s Test Career
Dhawan’s journey into the Indian Test team began in 2013, a time when legends like Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir were nearing the end of their careers. Despite being more renowned for his white-ball skills, he made an immediate impact with a record-breaking 187 against Australia in Mohali, becoming the fastest Test century by a debutant. His aggressive style and flair for the game quickly made him a fan favorite.
Over the course of 34 Tests, Dhawan scored 2315 runs at an average of 40.61, including seven centuries and five fifties. His career was marked by moments of brilliance, such as playing with a broken arm and still delivering impressive performances. However, he struggled to secure a long-term spot in the red-ball format. At 39, he officially retired from international cricket, leaving behind a legacy of determination and skill.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Rise in Test Cricket
In contrast, Yashasvi Jaiswal has had a more rapid ascent in the Test arena. He has played 22 Tests so far, amassing 2031 runs at an impressive average of 50.77, with five centuries and 11 half-centuries to his name. His Test career started with a stunning debut in Dominica against the West Indies in 2023, where he scored a 171, becoming the 17th Indian to achieve a century on debut.
Jaiswal’s performances during England’s tour of India in 2024 were particularly notable, as he scored 712 runs across five matches, including two double hundreds. His journey from selling pani puris in Mumbai to surviving under a tent at Azad Maidan has inspired many young cricketers. Currently, he is representing India in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, where he has already scored a century in Leeds and an 87 in Birmingham before facing challenges at Lord’s. Notably, after his ton in Leeds, he became the first Indian cricketer to score a century in his first Test played on Australian and English soil.
Common Traits Between Dhawan and Jaiswal
Despite their different paths, both Dhawan and Jaiswal share several similarities. They are left-handed openers known for their attacking instincts and stylish play. Dhawan took nine years of first-class cricket to earn his Test debut at 27, while Jaiswal was fast-tracked due to his success in age-group and domestic cricket. The most significant commonality between them is that they both made a strong first impression, scoring centuries on their Test debuts.
Comparison of Test Stats and Records
| Player | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s |
|———————|———|———|——–|———|——|—–|
| Shikhar Dhawan | 34 | 58 | 2315 | 40.61 | 7 | 5 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 22 | 42 | 2031 | 50.77 | 5 | 11 |
This comparison highlights the strengths of both players. While Dhawan laid the foundation for future openers, Jaiswal is building upon that legacy with his own brand of aggression and consistency. As the cricketing world watches Jaiswal’s progress, it is clear that he is not just following in the footsteps of Dhawan but also forging a unique identity in the Test format.
