Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul set a new record for India’s highest Test opening partnership in Australia, surpassing previous marks. Their historic stand highlights their skill and composure in challenging conditions.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul Stellar Partnership Revives India’s Innings in Australia
After a tough first innings, where both Jaiswal and Rahul fell cheaply, the duo put on an impressive stand. In favorable conditions, they extended India’s lead, reaching 84-0 at tea, with both players nearing half-centuries. Jaiswal was the first to reach his 50, followed by Rahul, as India continued to build momentum.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul: A Historic Milestone: Jaiswal and Rahul’s Remarkable Partnership in Australia
During the evening session of the match, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul etched their names into the history books with a phenomenal opening stand that surpassed 150 runs. This milestone marked only the third instance of an Indian opening pair achieving such a feat in men’s Test matches on Australian soil. The first occurrence dates back to 1981, when the legendary duo of Chetan Chauhan and Sunil Gavaskar showcased resilience and skill. Five years later, Gavaskar teamed up with Kris Srikkanth to establish the highest opening partnership for India in Australia, an impressive 191 runs.
As Day 2 came to a close, Jaiswal and Rahul were just 14 runs shy of that record, having extended their partnership to 177. Their determination and skill kept fans and analysts intrigued about what Day 3 would bring. The next morning, they resumed with the same grit, and soon after, they surpassed the 191-run mark set by Gavaskar and Srikkanth. This accomplishment made Jaiswal and Rahul only the second touring opening pair, after England’s Jack Hobbs and Wilf Rhodes in 1912, to register a 200+ opening stand in Australia.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, Chasing Legends Down
Jaiswal and Rahul’s partnership became a beacon of excellence, showcasing a perfect blend of technical skill and mental fortitude. Their 200+ stand not only highlighted individual brilliance but also underscored the significance of cohesive partnerships in the longest format of the game. While Gavaskar’s legacy as part of India’s historic opening partnerships is unmatched, the young and talented Jaiswal, alongside the seasoned Rahul, offered a glimpse into India’s promising cricketing future.
The record-breaking narrative didn’t stop at 200 runs. As the duo marched ahead, their sights were set on bigger achievements. Although the highest opening stand ever in Australia—323 runs by England’s Hobbs and Rhodes in 1912—remained intact, Jaiswal and Rahul’s efforts rekindled memories of India’s greatest Test partnerships and highlighted the evolving prowess of Indian cricket in overseas conditions.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, This landmark partnership not only placed them in an elite list of openers but also reaffirmed India’s growing dominance and adaptability in challenging foreign conditions. It served as a testament to the evolving strength of Indian cricket, blending experience and youth to rewrite history on one of cricket’s grandest stages.
Full list: Highest India men’s Test opening partnerships in Australia
| Players | Runs | Innings | Venue | Year |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal & KL Rahul | 201 | 2 | Perth | 2024 |
| Sunil Gavaskar & Kris Srikkanth | 191 | 1 | Sydney | 1986 |
| Cheetan Chauhan & Sunil Gavaskar | 165 | 2 | Melbourne | 1981 |
| Aakash Chopra & Virender Sehwag | 146 | 2 | Melbourne | 2003 |
| Rohit Sharma & Shubman Gill | 141 | 2 | Sydney | 2021 |
| Syed Abid Ali & Farokh Engineer | 139 | 2 | Sydney | 1968 |
| Vinoo Mankad & Chandu Sarwate | 134 | 2 | Melbourne | 1948 |
| Aakash Chopra & Virender Sehwag | 134 | 2 | Sydney | 2004 |
| Aakash Chopra & Virender Sehwag | 114 | 2 | Adelaide | 2003 |
| Navjot Sidhu & Kris Srikkanth | 107 | 2 | Perth | 1992 |