India’s dynamic young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is on the brink of achieving a monumental milestone as he gears up for the remainder of the Test series against England. The 22-year-old left-hander is inching closer to breaking a historic record set by legendary Indian batter Rahul Dravid 26 years ago, underscoring his meteoric rise in international cricket.
What Is Rahul Dravid’s Record?
In the famous 1996 tour of England, Rahul Dravid amassed 602 runs in a single Test series, showcasing remarkable consistency and technique. His performance included gritty knocks under challenging English conditions, laying the foundation for his illustrious career.
Jaiswal’s Journey In The Current Series
| Match | Venue | Runs Scored |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Nottingham | 89, 102 |
| 2nd Test | Lord’s | 78, 65 |
| 3rd Test | Headingley | 56, 119 |
| 4th Test | The Oval | 103, 40* |
| Total Runs | – | 652 |
With one Test remaining at Manchester, Jaiswal has already surpassed Dravid’s 602 runs, making him the highest Indian run-getter in a single Test series in England since 1996.
Key Highlights Of Jaiswal’s Performance
- Century At Headingley
His counter-attacking century at Headingley dismantled England’s bowling attack and turned the match in India’s favour. - Twin Fifties At Lord’s
Jaiswal displayed patience and flair with scores of 78 and 65, negotiating the swinging Dukes ball with confidence. - Century At The Oval
His 103-run knock in the fourth Test underlined his ability to convert starts into big innings.
Comparing Dravid And Jaiswal’s Feats
| Statistic | Rahul Dravid (1996) | Yashasvi Jaiswal (2025)* |
|---|---|---|
| Runs Scored | 602 | 652 |
| Matches | 3 | 4 |
| Average | 66.88 | 81.50 |
| Centuries | 1 | 2 |
| Half-centuries | 5 | 4 |
(*Updated till end of 4th Test)
Praise From The Cricket Fraternity
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly said:
“Jaiswal is a rare talent. His ability to dominate in English conditions at such a young age is remarkable.”
Legendary England batter Kevin Pietersen also lauded Jaiswal:
“He reminds me of Sehwag but with the footwork of Dravid. That’s a dangerous combination for any opposition.”
What Makes Jaiswal’s Performance Special
- Adaptability To Swing
English conditions test batters with lateral movement, but Jaiswal’s backfoot play and decisive footwork have countered it effectively. - Aggressive Strike Rate
Maintaining a strike rate above 65 in Tests, Jaiswal has kept England bowlers under pressure. - Temperament And Shot Selection
His ability to leave deliveries outside off and punish anything short has earned comparisons with India’s best overseas Test performers.
Rahul Dravid’s Reaction
Team India’s head coach Rahul Dravid praised Jaiswal in the post-match press conference after the Oval Test, stating:
“Records are meant to be broken. I’m glad it’s Yashasvi who is rewriting them. He is disciplined, hungry, and ready to learn.”
Implications For India’s Batting Line-Up
With Rohit Sharma nearing the twilight of his career, Jaiswal’s emergence as a reliable opener is a huge boost for India’s transition planning in Tests. He complements Shubman Gill well, creating a youthful opening pair capable of dominating for the next decade.
Upcoming Challenge At Manchester
The fifth and final Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, presents a flat surface with some swing early on. Analysts believe Jaiswal has an excellent opportunity to extend his record tally beyond 800 runs, a feat no Indian batter has ever achieved in a single overseas series.
Top Indian Run-Scorers In A Test Series In England
| Player | Year | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Rahul Dravid | 1996 | 602 |
| Sunil Gavaskar | 1979 | 542 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 2002 | 401 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 2025 | 652* |
(*Ongoing series)
Final Thoughts
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s stellar performance in the ENG vs IND Test series not only highlights his personal growth but also signals a generational shift in India’s batting approach overseas. As fans await the Manchester Test, all eyes remain on the young left-hander to see if he can further etch his name into cricketing history by breaching the 800-run mark, setting a new benchmark for future Indian batters touring England.
