IND vs ENG: Yashasvi Jaiswal Achieves What Ganguly and Gambhir Couldn’t in Their Careers

Yashasvi Jaiswal created history on Friday, June 20, by becoming the first left-handed Indian opener to score a Test century on English soil. The 22-year-old reached the milestone during the opening day of the 1st Test match between India and England at Headingley, Leeds.

India were in a tricky position after losing KL Rahul and debutant B Sai Sudharsan in quick succession, but Jaiswal held his ground and brought up his hundred off 144 balls. His innings was filled with classy drives, strong footwork, and patience outside the off-stump.

A Century That Stands Out

Jaiswal hit 16 fours and 1 six during his knock and looked comfortable right from the start. He began the innings with a solid drive off Chris Woakes and never looked back. Captain Shubman Gill also supported him well with a composed fifty at the other end.

This century is a special one, not just because it came against England in their own backyard, but also because no other Indian left-handed opener had ever done this before in the long history of Indian Test cricket.

Strong Response After Pre-Tour Struggles

Jaiswal had failed to make an impact in the India A games before the series, often getting dismissed while chasing deliveries outside off. However, in this innings, he showed great improvement in his shot selection and temperament. He left the ball well, stayed focused, and punished the loose deliveries.

Historic Achievement

While several left-handed Indian batters have scored centuries in England, none of them did it as an opener. Sourav Ganguly, Gautam Gambhir, and others have played good knocks in England, but Jaiswal is the first to reach three figures at the top of the order.