"I Am A Grandfather": Sunil Gavaskar's Epic Remark on Yashasvi Jaiswal After Magnificent 175 vs West Indies

Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his extraordinary Test cricket journey with a magnificent 175 against West Indies in the second Test at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium, prompting legendary commentator Sunil Gavaskar to deliver one of the most endearing remarks of the series. After watching the 23-year-old left-hander bat through an entire day and into the next morning, Gavaskar couldn't resist adding his own twist to the praise being showered on India's rising star.

Gavaskar's Heartwarming Compliment

As Day 2 drew to a close, Jaiswal interacted with the host broadcaster where both Harsha Bhogle and Sunil Gavaskar offered their appreciation. While Bhogle kept it straightforward—"Well done. Absolutely enjoyed your batting. Don't mind how it ended, but we love watching you bat"—Gavaskar jumped in with his trademark wit and warmth.

"I just want to add to that. Well done, keep it up. Keep getting the hundreds. Daddy hundreds, but because I am a grandfather, I'll say keep getting granddaddy hundreds."

The comment left Jaiswal momentarily speechless, breaking into a wide smile at the legendary opener's affectionate wordplay. The term "daddy hundred" refers to scores exceeding 150 runs, and Gavaskar's "granddaddy hundred" variation was both a reference to his own status as a grandfather and a playful elevation of the already impressive milestone.

Breaking Sachin's Record

What made Jaiswal's 175 particularly special was the historical significance behind it. This was the fifth time in his short Test career—spanning just 26 matches—that the southpaw had converted a century into a 150-plus score. In doing so, he surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most 150+ scores by an Indian batter at age 23.

Tendulkar had four such scores at the same age, but Jaiswal's consistent ability to convert starts into massive knocks has placed him in rarefied air. Only Australia's Don Bradman, with eight 150+ scores before turning 24, stands ahead of the young Indian opener in this elite list.

The Innings That Set the Stage

Jaiswal's 175 off 258 balls was a masterclass in Test batting—patient yet purposeful, watchful yet willing to punish loose deliveries. His innings featured 22 boundaries and showcased his remarkable versatility. Starting cautiously with KL Rahul, he put on a 58-run opening stand before shifting gears seamlessly after lunch.

The acceleration was clinical. Three boundaries in the first over of the second session announced his intentions as he raced to his fifty off 82 balls. Moving through the gears without ever appearing rushed, he reached his hundred off 145 deliveries and then kicked on toward what looked certain to be his third Test double century.

Throughout his innings, Jaiswal struck at 67.82—remarkably close to his career strike rate of 66.33—reflecting just how comfortable he looked on a flat Delhi pitch against a modest West Indies attack. He batted through an entire day's play without ever looking weary or suffering dips in focus.

The Untimely Run-Out

The only blemish on an otherwise flawless innings came on the second morning. Resuming at 173, Jaiswal added just two runs before a horrible mix-up with captain Shubman Gill resulted in a run-out. Jaiswal drove a Jayden Seales delivery straight to mid-off and set off for a quick single. Gill, sensing danger, sent him back, but the call came too late. Tevin Imlach received Tagenarine Chanderpaul's throw and whipped off the bails with Jaiswal well short of his crease.

Former India captain Anil Kumble, analyzing the dismissal, placed the blame squarely on Jaiswal: "It was Yashasvi Jaiswal's fault. He wouldn't have made it even to the non-striker's end because it went straight to the mid-off fielder. There was absolutely no chance."

Despite the disappointment, Jaiswal remained philosophical: "It's part of the game, so it's fine. I always try to play as long as I can. If I'm there, I should just take the game forward and play as long as I can."

Brian Lara's Plea for Mercy

The praise for Jaiswal extended beyond the commentary box. West Indies legend Brian Lara, who was present at the ground, met the young opener at the end of Day 2 and made a lighthearted plea: "Don't beat our bowlers that bad."

Lara's comment reflected a troubling reality for West Indies—Jaiswal has made their bowling attack his personal punching bag. In five innings against the Caribbean side, he has amassed 477 runs at an average of 95.40, including two centuries and a fifty. His dominance has been so complete that even legends like Lara can only joke about it.

The Bigger Picture

Jaiswal's 175 was his seventh Test century in just 26 matches, placing him second only to Sachin Tendulkar (11) for the most hundreds by an Indian player aged 23 or younger. Globally, only Bradman (12) and Sir Garfield Sobers (9) have scored more Test centuries before turning 24.

What sets Jaiswal apart isn't just the frequency of his centuries but their magnitude. Five of his seven Test hundreds have exceeded 150 runs—a conversion rate that rivals even Bradman's early-career statistics. This ability to bat long and bat big has become his trademark, reflecting not just skill but the mental fortitude and discipline that separates good players from great ones.

The Mindset That Drives Greatness

When asked about his approach, Jaiswal revealed the thought process behind his marathon innings:

"I always put the team first, how I can play for my team and what is important for my team at that moment in time. So I always think that, and that gives me the answer to how I can play, what shots I can play, how the wicket is, and if I'm there, I make sure that I take it as long as I can. That is all my mindset—that if I have a start, I make sure that I should make it big."

This team-first mentality, combined with an insatiable hunger for big scores, has made Jaiswal India's most reliable Test opener since Virender Sehwag's prime. His innings helped India declare at 518/5, putting them in a commanding position to push for a series sweep.

Gavaskar's Wisdom

Sunil Gavaskar's "granddaddy hundred" comment wasn't just witty banter—it carried deeper meaning. As someone who revolutionized opening batting for India and set standards that lasted decades, Gavaskar recognizes excellence when he sees it. His playful encouragement reflected both pride in Jaiswal's achievements and belief in his potential to reach even greater heights.

The "Little Master" has been consistent in his praise for Jaiswal throughout the youngster's career, recognizing in him the hunger, technique, and temperament needed to succeed at the highest level. This latest comment, delivered with grandfatherly affection, symbolized the passing of a torch from one generation of Indian batting greatness to another.

Looking Ahead

As Jaiswal continues to rewrite record books at just 23, the ceiling for his career appears limitless. If he maintains this trajectory, conversations about India's greatest-ever Test openers will inevitably include his name alongside Gavaskar and Sehwag.

For now, the focus remains on the present—helping India secure a 2-0 series sweep against West Indies and preparing for upcoming challenges including the Australia ODI tour and the crucial South Africa Test series in November.

But one thing is certain: whether he scores "daddy hundreds" or "granddaddy hundreds," Yashasvi Jaiswal has announced himself as one of Test cricket's brightest talents, earning praise from legends past and present while inspiring a new generation of Indian cricket fans.