Former Australian batting great Mark Waugh has made a bold prediction, anointing young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal as the future superstar destined to dominate Test cricket. Waugh's high praise came during a commentary stint for the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney, where he was asked to identify the batter poised to headline the next generation of the sport.
Waugh's Verdict on the Next Generation
While acknowledging a talented trio of contenders, Waugh left no doubt about his top pick. "There are three in the running: (Yashasvi) Jaiswal, (Harry) Brook, and (Rachin) Ravindra," Waugh stated on Kayo Sports. "I am going with Jaiswal, 24 years of age. He has already got a double hundred and averages around 50. There’s something special about this kid. I’ve got Jaiswal as the next champion batter joining the elite group. Brilliant player, so that’s my pick, the young Indian."
This endorsement from a respected figure like Waugh, known for his elegant stroke-play, underscores the immediate and profound impact Jaiswal has made since his Test debut against the West Indies.
Jaiswal's Meteoric Rise in Test Cricket
The numbers behind Waugh's confidence are compelling. In a short span of 28 Test matches, the Mumbai-born left-hander has compiled an outstanding record that belies his experience.
His career statistics, as of January 2026, are a testament to his appetite for big scores:
- Test Matches: 28
- Centuries: 7
- Half-Centuries: 13
- Batting Average: 49.23
More impressively, five of his seven hundreds have been scores of 150 or more, including a double century. This ability to convert starts into monumental innings has become a hallmark of his young career.
Agreement and Debate Among Experts
Waugh's assessment found an echo in former England captain Michael Vaughan, though with a slight alteration to the list. Vaughan agreed with the sentiment but suggested adding India captain Shubman Gill to the conversation. However, Vaughan firmly backed his compatriot, Harry Brook, for future greatness.
"Harry Brook is the next one we will be talking about. We are already talking about him on this trip, with the way he is playing," Vaughan said. He acknowledged that the 26-year-old, who now leads England's white-ball sides, had an average Ashes tour but highlighted Brook's formidable start in Test cricket. In 34 Tests, Brook has racked up 10 centuries and 14 fifties.
"He has not got the amount of runs I expected, but over the course of the next 10 years, we are going to see some of the most extraordinary innings from this young chap," Vaughan added, projecting a stellar decade ahead for Brook.
The debate initiated by Waugh highlights the exciting pool of young batting talent emerging globally. However, by placing Yashasvi Jaiswal at the pinnacle, the Australian legend has cast a spotlight on the Indian prodigy, setting enormous expectations for a player whose Test journey has begun with such distinction. The cricketing world will now watch keenly to see if Jaiswal fulfills this prophecy and cements his place among the game's elite.
