India strategically chose to bat first in the second Test at Vizag, aiming to capitalize on what seemed like a benign track. However, the experienced trio of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer faltered after promising starts, leaving India in a precarious position with three wickets down by the second session.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, the 22-year-old, emerged as the savior with a dazzling innings, fearlessly attacking the bowling. His aggressive approach was evident from the second over when he confidently smashed a ball over cover to signal his aggressive intent.
Despite hitting 11 boundaries and two sixes earlier in his innings, it was the manner in which he reached his second Test century that stood out. Approaching the milestone at 94, Jaiswal took a couple of balls to gauge Tom Hartley’s bowling in the 49th over.
He then emphatically cleared his front leg and launched the ball high over long-on, reaching the three-figure mark with a majestic shot that landed in the second tier. Overjoyed with the accomplishment, the opener celebrated exuberantly, pumping up the crowd with outstretched arms, blowing kisses to the stands, and expressing gratitude to the heavens.
That moment when @ybj_19 got to his second Test 💯
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 2, 2024
Watch 👇👇#INDvENG @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/Er7QFxmu4s
The monumental six brought back memories of Virender Sehwag, known for reaching milestones with audacious strokes, including famously achieving a triple century with a maximum.