Not Gill! Mark Waugh Picks Yashasvi Jaiswal as India’s Next Test Superstar

The guard is changing in world cricket, and the legends are already placing their bets. In a striking declaration that’s turning heads across the cricketing globe, Australian icon Mark Waugh has bypassed the highly touted Shubman Gill and instead crowned teenage sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal as India’s next Test superstar. At a time when veterans like Virat Kohli and Steve Smith are hinting at twilight chapters, Waugh’s pick signals a thrilling new era—and he’s not alone. Former England captain Michael Vaughan has mirrored this sentiment, though his eyes are fixed on England’s own explosive batter, Harry Brook. The message from these two greats is clear: the future of Test cricket isn’t just bright—it’s already on the pitch.

Why Mark Waugh Chose Jaiswal Over Gill
Yashasvi Jaiswal Test Superstar: The Early Stats That Stun Experts
The Vaughan-Brook Perspective: A Global View
Style and Temperament: The Key Differences
What This Means for India’s Test Future
Conclusion: The Rise of the New Generals
Sources

Why Mark Waugh Chose Jaiswal Over Gill

Shubman Gill has been widely seen as the heir apparent to India’s top-order batting throne—elegant, composed, and already a star in white-ball cricket. So why did Waugh look past him? In his own words, it’s about impact and instinct. “Gill is technically sound, no doubt,” Waugh noted in a recent interview. “But Jaiswal? He plays with a rare kind of fearlessness you don’t often see in a 22-year-old. He doesn’t just occupy the crease—he owns it.”

Waugh emphasized that in the pressure-cooker environment of Test cricket, it’s not just about accumulating runs—it’s about changing games. And Jaiswal, with his aggressive left-handed strokeplay and ability to dominate fast bowlers from the outset, has already shown he can do exactly that .

Yashasvi Jaiswal Test Superstar: The Early Stats That Stun Experts

The numbers back up Waugh’s confidence. Since his Test debut in 2023, Jaiswal has compiled a string of performances that place him among the most explosive openers of the modern era:

Average: Over 55 in his first 10 Tests—a mark only a select few Indian openers have achieved.
Centuries: Multiple Test hundreds, including a mammoth 200+ on English soil at Lord’s—an innings many describe as “arrival-defining.”
Strike Rate: Consistently above 70, blending aggression with remarkable control for a top-order batter .

What’s even more impressive is his adaptability. He’s scored heavily in Australia, held firm in England, and dominated at home—proving his game isn’t confined to friendly pitches.

The Vaughan-Brook Perspective: A Global View

It’s not just about India. Former England skipper Michael Vaughan has been equally effusive about his nation’s rising star, Harry Brook. Vaughan calls Brook “the most exciting English batter since Kevin Pietersen,” praising his ability to dismantle even the best attacks with audacious shot-making .

Interestingly, both Waugh and Vaughan are highlighting players who defy the traditional “anchor” mold. Instead, they’re betting on batters who inject pace and excitement into the longest format—suggesting that the future of Test cricket may belong to those who can blend entertainment with consistency.

Style and Temperament: The Key Differences

Comparing Jaiswal and Gill reveals a fascinating contrast in batting philosophies:

Player	Style	Temperament	Signature Trait
Yashasvi Jaiswal	Aggressive opener, strong on the pull and cover drive	Fearless, front-foot dominant	Game-changing starts
Shubman Gill	Classical, upright technique, elegant timing	Composed, back-foot strong	Stability and accumulation

Both have immense value, but Waugh’s logic is that in an era where pitch conditions are increasingly variable and bowlers more lethal, having an opener who can take the attack to the opposition—like Jaiswal—can be a massive strategic advantage.

What This Means for India’s Test Future

If Waugh’s prediction holds, India’s Test lineup is poised for a dynamic transformation. With Jaiswal at the top, Rohit Sharma providing firepower in the middle, and the likes of Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant adding depth, the team could become even more potent overseas.

Moreover, Jaiswal’s rise represents something deeper: the success of India’s grassroots scouting and development system. From selling street snacks to sleeping in tents at Azad Maidan to playing at Lord’s—his journey is emblematic of a new, self-made generation of Indian cricketers .

Conclusion: The Rise of the New Generals

Mark Waugh’s bold call—naming Yashasvi Jaiswal as India’s next Test superstar—is more than praise; it’s a prophecy rooted in performance, temperament, and timing. While Shubman Gill remains a cornerstone of India’s batting future, Jaiswal’s explosive starts and fearless mindset offer a different, equally vital dimension to the team’s identity. Paired with global peers like Harry Brook, he’s part of a new vanguard redefining what Test cricket can be: not just a battle of patience, but a thrilling spectacle of skill and daring. As legends like Waugh pass the torch, the world is watching—and so far, Jaiswal is answering the call with every cover drive. For more on India’s next-gen batting stars, explore our feature on [INTERNAL_LINK:india-u19-cricketers-to-watch].