Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar lauded Indian youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal on Saturday, describing the 22-year-old as “hungry for runs” after his impressive performance in the Perth Test. Jaiswal and KL Rahul played stellar knocks, putting together an unbeaten 172-run partnership that put India in a commanding position. Jaiswal scored 90 runs off 193 balls at a strike rate of 46.63, while Rahul made 62 runs off 153 balls at a strike rate of 40.52. Both remained at the crease as stumps were called on Day 2.
Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar hailed Jaiswal as “special,” highlighting his remarkable journey and maturity in handling fame. “This boy is special. He really is special. Considering where he’s come from and how he’s been batting, the way he’s handling fame is impressive—it’s not easy at times. Against England, he scored over 700 runs in five Test matches, including two double-hundreds earlier this year. He looks so hungry for runs, which is exactly what you want from a batter. A lot of us were told to score a hundred, but I think he wants to get 150 or even 200. He’s determined, and that’s exactly what Indian cricket needs,” Gavaskar said.
Gavaskar also praised Jaiswal’s aggressive style, noting that his left-handed approach could trouble bowlers from any nation. “A left-hander at the top of the order can pose problems for any bowler, be it Australian, English, or others, because he offers a completely different perspective. He plays his shots—he’s not one of those ultra-cautious batters. Clearly, Jaiswal has the cricketing world at his feet,” Gavaskar added.
India made a strong comeback in the first Test against Australia after being dismissed for just 150 in the first innings. The fast bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, restricted Australia to just 104 in their first innings. Bumrah claimed a five-wicket haul, while debutants Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy also impressed with their performances. At the close of Day 2, India stood at 172/0, leading Australia by 218 runs with Jaiswal (90) and Rahul (62) still at the crease.
