Ranking the top 5 best knocks by an Indian batter in WTC 2023-25 cycle ft. Yashasvi Jaiswal 

For the first time in the ICC World Test Championship history, India failed to qualify for the final of the third cycle after losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia by a 1-3 margin. India lost six out of their last eight Tests which led to their ouster from the final.

They began the WTC cycle with a 1-0 series win over West Indies followed by a 1-1 draw against South Africa. India then won the home Test series against England by a 4-1 margin and Bangladesh by a 2-0 margin.

The 0-3 series loss against New Zealand put them under severe pressure before the series defeat against Australia ended their chances of a shot at the WTC title for the third time in succession. Over these two years, there have been some exceptional knocks from the Indian batters.

It's the lack of consistency which has worked against them as the tournament reached its final stages. Yashasvi Jaiswal finished the year as the second leading run scorer in Tests while the other batters chipped in with some useful knocks through the cycle.

That said, let us now rank the top five best knocks by an Indian batter in the 2023-25 WTC cycle

# 5. Dhruv Jurel- 90 vs England in Ranchi

Dhurv Jurel made his Test debut during the second Test against England. Source: Getty

One of the most underrated knocks in this WTC cycle by an Indian batter came from the blade of Dhruv Jurel who scored a match-winning 90 against England in the 4th Test in Ranchi. He bailed India out of a tricky position and ensured they came within 46 runs of the English first-innings total.

England posted 353 in the first innings courtesy of a superb century from Joe Root. India was staring down the barrel at 177/7 when Ravichandran Ashwin was dismissed. That is when Jurel was joined by Kuldeep Yadav and the duo stitched together a memorable stand to help India claw their way back in the game.

Playing in just his second Test, Jurel looked in command of proceedings. None of the England bowlers hardly tested him. Even Kuldeep Yadav gave him ample support. Jurel struck some delightful shots and took charge to the spinners towards the end. His knock of 90 came off 149 deliveries and was studded with six fours and four sixes. Jurel’s knock paved the way for a 5 wicket win for India.

# 4. Yashasvi Jaiswal- 209 vs England in Visakhapatnam

Jaiswal scored a couple of double centuries during the series against England. Source: Getty

Yashasvi Jaiswal was by far the stand-out batter for India in the 2023-25 WTC cycle. Starting from the series against West Indies, Jaiswal didn't have to look as he scored runs consistently over a period of time. He missed out on a few games but was one of the best test batters in the course of these two years.

The first sign of utter domination from the southpaw came against England during the second Test in Visakhapatnam. Jaiswal took his time initially but once set, he set the stadium ablaze with some exhilarating strokeplay.

Starting from fierce back cuts to exquisite drives to sweeps and reverse sweeps, he displayed a wide range of shots all through the series. He went on to score his maiden double-century and deflated the England bowling attack. Jaiswal’s knock of 209 came off 290 deliveries, which included 19 fours and seven sixes. His knock was instrumental in India’s 106-run victory.

# 3. Ravichandran Ashwin- 113 vs Bangladesh in Chennai

Another unsung hero for India during his illustrious Test career, Ravichandran Ashwin bailed India out of a precarious situation with a stunning century against Bangladesh in the opening Test in Chennai. Batting first, India was reduced to 144/6 when Ashwin joined Ravindra Jadeja out in the middle.

Ashwin took a positive approach and tried to wear down the Bangladesh bowlers. He struck some exquisite drives on the cut and never shied away from taking the aerial route. He went on to score his 6th and final Test century and ensured India recovered from a difficult situation and posted 376 on the board. India went on to register a 280-run win.

# 2. KL Rahul- 101 vs South Africa in Centurion

India couldn't pull off a win in the opening Test against South Africa in early 2024 but KL Rahul displayed one of the finest Test centuries you will see in the rainbow nation. India was down and out in the first innings and that is when Rahul rose to the occasion and scored a brilliant century.

The top order failed miserably after South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and put the visitors in. None of the top and the middle order batters could make an impact but Rahul looked in superb touch. Rahul had to take the attack to the Proteas bowlers as he kept losing partners at the other end.

India was eventually bowled out for 245 and on a pitch which eased out on Day 2, South Africa stamped their authority on the game with a 163-run lead. There was no way back for India as they were bowled out for just 131 in the second innings, handing South Africa a massive win by an innings and 32 runs.

# 1. Yashasvi Jaiswal- 161 vs Australia in Perth

It will be difficult to look beyond the stunning knock from Yashasvi Jaiswal during the opening Test of the recently Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Jaiswal announced his arrival in Australia in supreme style in the second innings of the first Test, scoring a match-winning 161.

After getting bowled out for 150 in the first innings, an inspired spell from Jasprit Bumrah helped India bowl out the hosts for just 104, securing a 46-run lead. Jaiswal and KL Rahul then came out all guns blazing, sharing a 201-run opening stand to put India in a commanding position.

Jaiswal was circumspect to begin with but once he found his range, the wide array of strokes was on full display. He took the attack to the Australian bowlers as his innings progressed and went onto complete his maiden Test century on Australian soil. His knock of 161 came off 297 deliveries and included 15 fours and three sixes.