Yashasvi Jaiswal has been ranked No. 1 in Wisden Cricket Monthly’s prestigious list of the “Best 40 Young Players in the World”, cementing his position as one of the brightest young stars in global cricket.
The list, released last month, was curated by Wisden writers and international cricket journalists, spotlighting players aged 23 or under who have already achieved significant milestones—and who are projected to have long-term impact across formats.
Jaiswal headlines strong showing by Rajasthan Royals
Jaiswal’s top ranking highlights a phenomenal year across formats. The Rajasthan Royals opener scored 1,478 Test runs in 2024 at an average of 54.74 and a strike rate nearing 70—setting a new record for most Test runs by an Indian opener in a single year.
He has already accumulated 2,209 Test runs in 24 matches, including six centuries and 12 half-centuries. His debut century against the West Indies in 2023 marked the start of an extraordinary run, earning him a spot in the ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year 2024.
In T20Is, the 23-year-old has scored 723 runs in 23 appearances, while also representing India in ODIs. His over 2,000 IPL runs for Rajasthan Royals further solidify his stature in the domestic and international arenas.
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Four more Rajasthan Royals players make Wisden’s elite list
South African talents Lhuan-dre Pretorius (No. 5) and Kwena Maphaka (No. 8) joined Jaiswal in the top 10, underlining the Royals’ emphasis on young international talent. Both players have been standout performers for South Africa in 2025.
India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made headlines by being ranked No. 16</strong) at just 14 years old. The teenage phenom had a breakout season in the IPL and continues to shine in the India U19 setup.
Riyan Parag, who captained the Rajasthan Royals in the 2025 IPL season, was also included, ranked No. 27. Parag’s leadership and consistent batting made him one of the top-performing young Indian all-rounders this year.
Wisden’s list recognizes global emerging talent
Wisden’s annual list is one of the most anticipated recognitions of emerging cricket talent, known for accurately projecting future stars. This year’s list features players from across the cricketing world, but the Rajasthan Royals stood out with the highest number of players from a single franchise.
Jaiswal’s No. 1 ranking continues his remarkable rise and reinforces his position as a generational talent destined for a long and successful career in international cricket.
