AUS vs IND: ‘Hunger for big runs defines Sunil Gavaskar-esque Yashasvi Jaiswal,’ says Sanjay Bangar

Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar showered praise on young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, likening his hunger for big runs to that of the legendary Sunil Gavaskar. Bangar highlighted the 22-year-old’s work ethic and consistency as the driving factors behind his rapid rise in Test cricket.

Jaiswal, one of the youngest members of the Indian Test squad, has become an indispensable player for the team. His contributions in 2024 have been phenomenal, amassing 1304 runs in just 14 matches, including two double centuries against England. Speaking on Star Sports, Bangar emphasised how Jaiswal has built a strong foundation early in his career has set him apart, making him a promising asset for the future.

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“Two things. One is that he is extremely technically sound, and that means that he’s got a great foundation for him to work his way up, and then the temperament part very early in his career. He’s gone through lots of a lot of ups and downs in his personal life as well,” Banger said.

“Cricket means a lot to him. He’s worked hard to be where he is and his hunger for big scores that actually defines him as a batsman. Most of his hundreds so far or all of his hundreds in Test cricket have been scores of about 150 and that tells you the kind of hunger that, as a batter that you wanted to see as a batter in young players. Now, who was an earlier batter of similar calibre? and we had to go a long way back in someone like a Sunil Gavaskar,” he added.

Since making his debut in the West Indies last year, Jaiswal has played 16 Tests, scoring 1,592 runs at an impressive average of 54.89. His top score of 214 not out and his rapid rise to second in the ICC Test batting rankings further underscore his potential. Notably, Jaiswal also holds the distinction of being the youngest Indian to score a T20I century, a feat he achieved during the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year.

In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Jaiswal has already displayed glimpses of his talent. Despite a disappointing start in Perth, where he was dismissed for a duck by Mitchell Starc in the first innings, the young southpaw bounced back brilliantly. His second-innings knock of 161 off 297 balls, featuring 15 fours and three sixes, was a masterclass in patience and aggression.

However, Jaiswal had a subdued outing in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, mirroring the struggles of the rest of the Indian batting lineup. With the series tied at 1-1, all eyes are now on Jaiswal as India takes on Australia in the third Test at the Gabba. Fans and experts alike will be hoping that the young opener regains his prolific form and continues to be the cornerstone of India’s batting lineup.

Bangar’s comparison to Gavaskar sets high expectations for Jaiswal, but his record and attitude suggest he is more than capable of meeting them.