Yashasvi Jaiswal targets Shubman Gill’s T20I spot with SMAT ton, puts Ajit Agarkar under pressure

Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been out of India’s T20I plans despite being part of the World Cup-winning squad last year, delivered a strong reminder of his talent in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Jaiswal smashed a brilliant century while playing his second match after returning to the domestic T20 tournament.

The 23-year-old is not part of India’s T20I squad for the ongoing South Africa series. He may not be in the frame for the 2026 T20 World Cup. However, with Shubman Gill and the rest of the group not scheduled for any red-ball matches until August next year, Jaiswal could face a long break from international cricket.

Yashasvi Jaiswal Scores a Hundred for Mumbai in SMAT 2025 vs Haryana

Yashasvi Jaiswal played a brilliant knock for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Pune on Sunday, December 14. Chasing a big target of 235, he opened the innings and scored a century that put his team in complete control.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

The left-handed batter reached his half-century in only 23 balls and then completed his hundred in just 48 deliveries. Jaiswal hit 16 fours and one six during his innings. He was out soon after scoring 101, but by then, he had already taken the game away from Haryana.

This was Jaiswal’s first T20 century for Mumbai in the SMAT and the fourth of his career. He has also scored T20 hundreds for India and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL. He helped Mumbai chase down the target in only 17.3 overs.

My Dream Is to Play the T20 World Cup - Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal may be a settled name at the top of India’s Test order, but he has been getting rare opportunities in white-ball cricket. He travelled with the 2024 T20 World Cup–winning squad as a reserve opener behind Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, but he hasn’t played a T20I since July last year.

Speaking at a recent event, Jaiswal admitted that playing in the upcoming home T20 World Cup remains a big dream for him. However, he is currently outside India’s T20I plans, where Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson are viewed as the preferred opening options.

“My dream is to play T20 World Cup but I try to focus on my game and will wait for my time,” Jaiswal had said during the ‘Agenda Aaj Tak’ conclave.

Yashasvi Jaiswal Last Seen in Action During the ODI Series Against South Africa

Yashasvi Jaiswal last played for India during the three-match ODI series against South Africa. He struggled in the first two matches, but in the final game, he made full use of the chance.

The left-handed batter scored his first ODI century, an unbeaten 116 that helped India chase down 271 with ease. He added big partnerships with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli that gave the innings complete control.

The young left-hander joined a special group of Indian players who have scored centuries in all three international formats. Before Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill and Suresh Raina had achieved this feat.

Jaiswal’s place may still be uncertain once Gill returns for India’s next ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11. The southpaw could be back on the bench even after a match-winning effort.

Also read: Brendon McCullum defends ‘Over-Prepared’ remark, addresses England’s clash with Australian media