
Created at Oct 13, 2025 11:17 AM
In a stunning exhibition of class, self-belief, and poise, young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal converted the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi into a sea of applause with his own name on everybody's lips. What was initially a chant of "Kohli, Kohli" from the crowd soon turned into deafening chants of "Jaiswal, Jaiswal" as the 23-year-old left-hander scored a record-breaking century that left experts and spectators alike agog.
The Delhi fans, who have a perennial love for Virat Kohli, were watching a different phenomenon rising up, one who shared the same hunger and fearlessness with which Kohli burst onto the scene in the first place. Jaiswal's century wasn't a boundary fest—it was a statement of arrival, a declaration that Indian cricket's next big batting name could be already with us.
From Nervous Start to Commanding Presence
Stepping out to bat with so much onus, Jaiswal was initially put through a hostile spell from the English fast bowlers who probed him with pace and movement. The initial overs were tentative with the young man going for timing and placement over big shots. But once he settled down, the change was remarkable.
Jaiswal started hitting his shots with the command of an experienced campaigner. His reverse sweeps through mid-wicket, strong drives down the covers, and aggressive pulls over short balls demonstrated a full gamut of strokes. Every shot was a reflection of confidence—every run served as a reminder that he was where he was supposed to be at the international stage.
When he turned fifty, the shouts of "Kohli, Kohli" had dissipated. The attention of the crowd had shifted. Fans were standing up and clapping in regular rhythm and shouting "Jaiswal, Jaiswal" as he approached his century. When he finally got to the milestone with a clean boundary over extra cover, the whole stadium erupted.
Breaking Records and Setting Standards
Jaiswal's century was achieved off just 121 balls, one of the quickest by an Indian opener in recent times. His stand with Shubman Gill set the tone for India's dominance on Day 1, leaving the English bowlers clueless as to how to counter the young pair's calculated aggression.
Better still, Jaiswal's innings was his third century in Tests, cementing his reputation as a consistent performer at the top level. His ability to big scores, even in crisis situations, has
made him compare to greats such as Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir—two openers who once turned Delhi into their fortress.
The innings was lauded by erstwhile cricketers, with Sunil Gavaskar terming it "a masterclass in modern Test batting" and Harbhajan Singh expressing on Twitter that Jaiswal "has the temperament of a champion and the heart of a warrior."
The Symbolism Behind the Moment
The switch of the chant—from "Kohli" to "Jaiswal"—was a sign of a generation change in Indian cricket. Kohli, the country's still-preferred icon, smiled in the dressing room as the budding star stole the attention of the crowd. It was an emotional moment—one star graciously accepting the ascendance of another.
For Jaiswal, who spent his childhood years with limited resources in Mumbai selling pani puris to pursue his cricketing ambition, instances like these are of personal significance. To see thousands chanting his name in Delhi—the city of his inspiration Virat Kohli—was not only a professional success but an extremely emotional milestone.
The Future Is Bright
This innings has not only locked Jaiswal into the top spot in India's Test batting ranks but placed him as one of the most promising young stars in international cricket. That he can adapt to conditions, play spin and pace with aplomb, and stay calm under pressure indicates a long and glorious career ahead of him.
As the stadium lights went down and the crowd began to disperse, one thing was certain: India might have just seen a passing of the baton. Yashasvi Jaiswal didn't merely quiet the "Kohli, Kohli" chanting—he had his own chorus of admiration.
A new chant was created in Delhi that evening. And with it, maybe, a new dawn in Indian cricket.
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