NEW DELHI: Indian batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal has etched his name in cricketing history, becoming the first Indian batter to hit 30 sixes in a calendar year in Test matches.
Jaiswal, known for his elegant batting, demonstrated that his power-hitting acumen extends beyond the shortest format with this remarkable milestone.
The landmark six came early in India’s chase of 359 against New Zealand during the second Test in Pune.
Facing Tim Southee in the innings’ first over, Jaiswal announced his intentions in emphatic style, smashing the second ball of the first over over deep square leg for a massive six.
The commentators praised the youngster’s intent as the opener effortlessly dispatched a length delivery from Southee. Later, he went on to smash two more sixes before the lunch break.
Jaiswal now shares an elite list, becoming only the second batter in men’s Test cricket to achieve this feat.
New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum first set the benchmark with 30 sixes in 2014. But with Jaiswal still having matches left in the year, he could extend the record even further.
Batters with 30+ Sixes in a Calendar Year in Tests:
- Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) – 2014
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (India) – 2024*
Jaiswal’s aggressive start offered a glimmer of hope in India’s daunting task of chasing 359.
However, with India trailing the three-match series 1-0 and facing their first potential home Test series defeat since 2012, the pressure is immense.
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New Zealand’s spinners have dominated the series, with Mitchell Santner’s 7-53 in India’s first innings putting the visitors firmly in control.
India’s bowlers fought back on Day 3, with Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja sharing seven wickets to bowl New Zealand out for 255. But the hosts need a record-breaking chase to stay alive in the series.