Scoring a double century in Test cricket is a monumental feat, signifying exceptional skill, temperament, and endurance. When achieved at a young age, it becomes even more remarkable, hinting at a potentially glittering career ahead. In the history of Indian cricket, three talented batsmen have etched their names as the youngest to accomplish this landmark– Vinod Kambli, Sunil Gavaskar, and the recent entrant, Yashasvi Jaiswal. Here's a look at the knocks which made them a part of this coveted club:
#1. Vinod Kambli
Vinod Kambli's name is synonymous with precocious talent. In the early 1990s, he burst onto the scene with a string of dazzling centuries, often partnering Sachin Tendulkar. Kambli holds the record for the youngest Indian to score a double century in Tests and he is also second on the list. Both the knocks were achieved within an astonishing 50 days of his debut:
- 224 vs England, Mumbai 1993 (21 years 35 days): Kambli announced his arrival on the big stage with a dominant 224 against England in Mumbai. His innings, filled with elegant strokes and audacious sixes, set the tone for a series where he amassed 797 runs. His innings comprised 23 boundaries and helped India post a total of 591 on the board. India managed a lead of over 100 runs in the game which laid the foundation of a brilliant win despite the heroics of Graeme Hick.
- 227 vs Zimbabwe, Delhi 1993 (21 years 55 days): Just weeks later, Kambli repeated the feat against Zimbabwe in Delhi, scoring an even more fluent 227. His ability to dominate attacks at such a young age left observers awestruck. On this occasion, Kambhi smashed 28 boundaries which comprised some absolutely mesmerizing strokes. His innings powered India to a huge score of 536 in the first innings which Zimbabwe couldn't cover in their two innings combined.
#2. Sunil Gavaskar (220 vs West Indies, Port of Spain 1971)
Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary "Little Master", needs no introduction. His impact on Indian cricket is immeasurable, and his double century against West Indies in 1971 marked the beginning of a glorious career. At just 21 years and 283 days, he smashed a magnificnet double-century against a West Indies attack which comprised Gary Sobers and John Shepherd. Gavaskar displayed remarkable composure and technique to help India save the Test match. In fact, later on, the bowlers produced a masterclass to almost win the game for India before it ended in a draw. What made the achievement even bigger was the fact that Gavaskar had already scored a century in the first innings. The match was a defining one in Gavaskar's career. It showcased his ability to handle pressure and thrive on the biggest stage, setting the stage for his numerous records and accolades in the years to come.
#3. Yashasvi Jaiswal (209 vs England, Visakhapatnam 2024)
Yashasvi Jaiswal is the latest entrant to this prestigious club, having achieved his double century against England in the ongoing game in Visakhapatnam. Coming into this game, India were already one game down in the series and with their home record at stake, a big performance was required. However, all the batters faltered after getting starts. But one man stood tall, a young one at that- Yashasvi Jaiswal. The southpaw played a remarkable innings to help India post a formidable total of 396 in the first innings. His knock which included 19 boundaries and 7 sixes left the crowd dazzled as he played some audacious shots during the course of his innings.