30 Tests, 30 venues: Yashavi Jaiswal follows Sachin Tendulkar’s footsteps with rare feat

In a remarkable display of consistent globe-trotting at the start of his illustrious career, Indian opening batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal has achieved a truly unique milestone. As he strode onto the field for the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, marking his 30th appearance in the longest format of the game, Jaiswal simultaneously established an unusual record: he has played each of his first thirty Test matches at a different venue. This extraordinary feat means that the prolific left-hander has yet to play a Test match on the same ground twice, illustrating a dynamic and widespread start to his international journey.

Jaiswal’s incredible touring itinerary commenced in July 2023 at Roseau. Since then, his cricketing odyssey has taken him across diverse landscapes, encompassing matches held in the Caribbean, South Africa, his native India, England, and Australia, culminating in his 30th Test in the historic city of Galle. This extensive travel log underscores the demanding nature of international cricket schedules and Jaiswal’s adaptability across varying conditions.

Despite the constant change of scenery, Jaiswal has demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency, making a profoundly impactful beginning to his Test career. Across these 30 matches and 55 innings, he has accumulated an impressive tally of 2,567 runs. His aggressive yet composed batting style has resulted in seven magnificent centuries and thirteen half-centuries, with his highest individual score a formidable unbeaten 214. These statistics contribute to an impressive batting average of 48.43, solidifying his position as a formidable presence in the Indian batting lineup.

This distinctive record places Jaiswal in the esteemed company of two legendary Indian batsmen. Sanjay Manjrekar, a respected commentator and former cricketer, played his initial 33 Tests at 33 distinct venues, setting a precedent for such an achievement. Following closely is the iconic Sachin Tendulkar, who also embarked on a similar journey, featuring in his first 32 Tests at 32 different grounds. Jaiswal’s current trajectory suggests he is well on his way to surpassing or at least matching these historical benchmarks, further cementing his place in cricket’s rich tapestry.

However, Jaiswal’s landmark 30th Test match ended on a rather anticlimactic note with an unfortunate dismissal. Playing at Galle, he was run out for 32 runs. Having looked comfortable and settled during his 37-ball innings, contributing to India’s steady start, a miscommunication with his batting partner KL Rahul led to his premature departure. A collision with the bowler momentarily disrupted Jaiswal’s balance, and in the ensuing confusion, both batsmen found themselves at the non-striker’s end, leaving Jaiswal with no option but to make the long walk back to the pavilion. This particular incident marked Jaiswal’s third run-out dismissal in his nascent Test career. His previous run-outs occurred against Australia in 2024, where he was dismissed for 82, and against the West Indies a year prior, when he was run out after scoring 175. While these moments represent minor setbacks, they do not overshadow the phenomenal start to his Test journey.