In a moment that blended history with present brilliance, Yashasvi Jaiswal etched his name alongside Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar by matching a remarkable 50-year-old Test cricket milestone at Old Trafford. During the fourth Test match between India and England on July 23, 2025, the young opener became the first Indian since Gavaskar in 1974 to score a half-century at the iconic Manchester venue. This feat not only revived memories of India’s golden era but also cemented Jaiswal’s growing stature in red-ball cricket.
The milestone came on Day 1 of the highly anticipated fourth Test in the India-England series. Jaiswal scored a composed 58 off 107 deliveries, laced with 10 boundaries and a towering six. His innings was a crucial part of India’s top-order effort on a pitch known for its seam movement and variable bounce—an attribute that has historically troubled Indian openers. By conquering these conditions, Jaiswal achieved what no Indian opener had done in over five decades.
A Feat Last Achieved by Sunil Gavaskar in 1974
Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s most respected and successful opening batsmen, had scored a half-century at Old Trafford during the 1974 England tour. That innings was part of his iconic 101-run effort in the second innings, and his gritty knock became legendary. For 50 years, no Indian opener had been able to replicate a similar fifty-plus score at the venue—until Yashasvi Jaiswal stepped up and broke the jinx.
In the intervening years, many talented Indian batters, including Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, and KL Rahul, failed to cross the 50-run mark at Old Trafford. The challenging conditions—overcast skies, swing-friendly surfaces, and disciplined English bowling—made the venue a graveyard for visiting openers. That’s what makes Jaiswal’s innings even more commendable.
Jaiswal’s Technique and Temperament Shine
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s innings wasn’t just about the milestone—it was a display of technical skill and mental resilience. Facing bowlers like James Anderson and Mark Wood under overcast Manchester skies is no easy task. However, Jaiswal showcased impeccable footwork, played close to his body, and chose his scoring shots with maturity far beyond his age.
His ability to negotiate the new ball without taking unnecessary risks ensured a solid foundation for India. In particular, his drives through the off-side and flicks off the pads showed a balance between aggression and caution. Despite the early fall of partner Shubman Gill, Jaiswal remained composed and continued to anchor the innings.
Reaching 1000 Test Runs Against England
While his fifty at Old Trafford made headlines, Jaiswal also reached another major personal milestone—he became the joint-second fastest Indian to reach 1000 Test runs against England, achieving the feat in just 16 innings. He now shares this record with Mohammad Azharuddin, trailing only legends like Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, who took 15 innings each to reach the mark.
This milestone reinforces the idea that Jaiswal is not just a promising youngster but a dependable performer in high-stakes series. He has now consistently delivered against one of the best Test teams in the world—both in Indian and English conditions.
A New Era in Indian Test Cricket?
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s rapid rise in red-ball cricket comes at a time when Indian cricket is transitioning into a new era. With veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli approaching the twilight of their careers, the spotlight is increasingly on the new generation—Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and most prominently, Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Matching a 50-year-old feat by Sunil Gavaskar isn’t just a statistical achievement—it’s symbolic. Gavaskar led India’s batting revolution in the ’70s and ’80s. Now, Jaiswal appears poised to do the same in the modern era. His consistent performances across conditions suggest that India has found a long-term solution for the opening slot in Test cricket.
Praise from Experts and Former Cricketers
Following his historic innings, praise poured in from cricket experts and former players. Sunil Gavaskar himself, commentating during the match, was seen visibly emotional and proud as he acknowledged the young batter’s achievement.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri remarked, “It’s not just the runs but the manner in which Jaiswal scored them that impressed me. At a venue where Indian openers have historically failed, Jaiswal looked like he belonged.”
Social media was flooded with tributes, with fans and pundits hailing the innings as a “defining moment” for Indian Test cricket’s new generation.
Final Thoughts
Yashasvi Jaiswal matching Sunil Gavaskar’s 50-year-old feat at Old Trafford is more than just a statistic—it’s a story of grit, determination, and transition. His half-century ended a five-decade-long drought for Indian openers at the historic venue, while also signaling the arrival of a new leader in the batting order.
As the series progresses, India will hope Jaiswal continues to deliver match-defining performances. If his current form is any indication, Indian cricket fans could well be witnessing the rise of another all-time great.
