Yashasvi Jaiswal (PTI Photo) New Delhi: Indian batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal etched his name in cricket history, becoming the first Indian batsman to hit 30 sixes in a calendar year in Test matches.
Known for his elegant batting, Jaiswal showed that his power-hitting acumen extends beyond the shortest format with this remarkable feat.
The milestone six came early in India’s chase of 359 against New Zealand during the second Test in Pune.
Facing Tim Southee in the first over of the innings, Jaiswal declared his intentions in emphatic style, smashing the second ball of the first over deep square leg for a huge six.
Commentators praised the youngster’s intent as the opener easily dispatched a long delivery from Southie. Later, he went on to smash two more goals before the lunch break.
Jaiswal now participates in the elite list, becoming only the second batsman in men’s Test cricket to achieve this feat.
New Zealander Brendon McCullum first set the record with 30 sixes in 2014. But with Jaiswal still in the remaining matches this year, he could extend the record even further.
Bats with 30+ sixes in a calendar year in Tests:
Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) – 2014 Yashasvi Jaiswal (India) – 2024*
Jaiswal’s strong start offered a ray of hope in India’s daunting task of chasing down 359.
However, with India trailing the three-match series 1-0 and facing a potential first Test series defeat at home since 2012, the pressure is immense.
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The New Zealand spinners dominated the series, with Mitchell Santner’s 7-53 in India’s first innings putting the visitors firmly in control.
The Indian bowlers fought back on day three, with Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja sharing seven wickets to bowl out New Zealand for 255. But the hosts need a record chase to stay alive in the series.
