New Delhi: Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul have stepped into the shoes of legends, carrying forward the proud tradition of Indian openers thriving in Australia with unbeaten half-centuries in the ongoing first test in Perth on Saturday.
Their composed and confident partnership harks back to the days of Sunil Gavaskar, who defined what it meant to dominate on Australian soil.
For Indian cricket fans, Sunil Gavaskar’s name is synonymous with resilience and mastery against the toughest challenges. His partnerships with Chetan Chauhan and Kris Srikkanth in the 1980s created a blueprint for successful opening stands in Australia.
In the 1981 Melbourne Test, Gavaskar’s 70 and Chauhan’s 85 stood as a defiant response to a fierce Australian bowling attack. That innings set the stage for what would become a hallmark of India’s Test cricket journey Down Under: building a solid foundation through gritty opening partnerships.
Four years later, Gavaskar was at his peak in Adelaide, crafting an unbeaten 166* while Kris Srikkanth added a brisk 51. Together, they embodied contrasting styles—Gavaskar’s poise paired with Srikkanth’s flamboyance—to outwit the Australians.
The 1986 Sydney Test saw Gavaskar deliver yet another gem, smashing 172 with Srikkanth matching him stroke-for-stroke with a brilliant 116. Their partnership became a gold standard, showcasing how technical precision and aggressive intent could thrive in tandem.
Nearly four decades later, Jaiswal and Rahul have reignited this legacy. Facing a potent Australian pace attack in Perth, the young Jaiswal displayed remarkable composure, while the experienced Rahul lent stability. Together, they mirrored the qualities of their legendary predecessors — patience under pressure and an ability to capitalise on scoring opportunities.
Their efforts underline a timeless truth: strong starts remain the backbone of successful Test match performances.
The achievements of Gavaskar and his peers have inspired generations, and the new crop of Indian cricketers is proving to be worthy torchbearers. With young talents like Jaiswal showing maturity beyond their years and seasoned players like Rahul providing consistency, India’s batting lineage is in safe hands.
As this partnership grows, it cements the enduring legacy of Indian openers thriving in Australia—a legacy that started with the "Little Master" and continues to flourish.