Yashasvi Jaiswal marked a significant moment in his young international career by scoring his maiden One Day International century during the third ODI against South Africa in the 2025 series.
The left-handed opener remained unbeaten on 116, guiding India to a comfortable nine-wicket win and helping the team secure the series 2–1. Playing only his fourth ODI, Jaiswal showed remarkable maturity and control, timing the ball cleanly and pacing his innings perfectly during the chase.
His knock included a mix of elegant drives and confident boundary-hitting, highlighting his adaptability in the 50-over format. Opening alongside Rohit Sharma, Jaiswal stitched together a strong partnership that dismantled South Africa’s bowling attack and ensured there was no pressure during the run chase.
With this century, Jaiswal also joined an elite group of Indian cricketers to score hundreds in Tests, ODIs and T20Is, underlining his versatility across formats.
While Jaiswal’s century was the highlight on the scoreboard, a lighter and memorable moment unfolded on the field involving Virat Kohli. As Jaiswal approached his hundred, Kohli was seen in a playful mood, singing a popular Bollywood song and even dancing slightly to ease the tension.
Jaiswal later revealed that Kohli’s cheerful behavior helped him stay relaxed during a crucial phase of the innings.
The senior batter’s humorous gestures brought smiles and reflected the positive environment within the Indian dressing room. According to Jaiswal, Kohli’s personality off the field contrasts with his intense on-field image, as he often uses humor to motivate younger players.
The interaction not only showcased Kohli’s leadership style but also highlighted the camaraderie between experienced stars and emerging talents in the Indian squad.
After the match, Jaiswal spoke about how encouragement from senior players has played a key role in his growth as an international cricketer. He acknowledged the importance of learning from players like Kohli, whose experience and mindset have helped him understand how to handle big moments.
Despite being more established in Test cricket, Jaiswal is still building his place in the ODI setup, making this century especially meaningful.
Performances like these strengthen his claim for regular opportunities in India’s limited-overs teams. As Indian cricket continues to invest in young talent, Jaiswal’s blend of discipline, flair and confidence suggests a promising future. With continued guidance and consistent performances, he appears well on track to become a long-term asset for India across all formats.
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