India’s 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle is set to culminate in a thrilling five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, and the hosts are already keeping an eye on India’s rising batting sensation, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who many believe is destined for stardom.
In a social media video shared by Star Sports Tamil, prominent Australian cricketers, including Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, were asked to name one Indian batsman they consider a future superstar. Jaiswal’s name was frequently mentioned, with his explosive start in international cricket catching the attention of the Australian camp. Alongside Jaiswal, Shubman Gill was the only other Indian batsman who garnered significant praise.
Among the players polled, Cameron Green and Travis Head backed Gill, while Marnus Labuschagne gave credit to both Jaiswal and Gill. “Some of his (Gill’s) innings I have seen,” noted Head. “He makes bowling look slow. Plays off the front and back foot well, plays spin well. Shubman is going to be an absolute freak.”
Jaiswal, who has played 9 Tests so far, has amassed 1,028 runs at a staggering average of 68.53, including two double centuries. In 23 T20Is, he has scored 723 runs at an impressive strike rate of 164.32. Although he is yet to debut in ODIs, his rapid rise has cemented him as a player to watch in all formats.
On the other hand, Shubman Gill has already made his mark in international cricket, having played 25 Tests, 47 ODIs, and 21 T20Is. His Test tally includes 1,492 runs at an average of 35.52, while his ODI record boasts 2,328 runs, including a double-century. He has also shown promise in T20Is with 578 runs, including a century.
India, currently leading the WTC table, will begin a crucial stretch of 10 Test matches over the next four months, starting with a two-match series at home against Bangladesh. This will be followed by a three-Test series against New Zealand before India heads to Australia for the much-awaited five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
With the WTC final slated to begin on June 11 at Lord’s, both Jaiswal and Gill will be pivotal to India’s success in their quest to defend the prestigious trophy and aim for a WTC title.
