Yashasvi Jaiswal, Harry Brook and Tristan Stubbs are among the top four next-gen greats in Tests. Let’s deep dive into their records so far.
In an era where cricket is evolving with increasing dynamism, a new breed of players are emerging—young, fearless, and driven to leave a mark on the international stage. Among them are four names that have captured the imagination of cricket fans and experts alike: Yashasvi Jaiswal of India, Harry Brook of England, Kamindu Mendis of Sri Lanka, and Tristan Stubbs of South Africa. These players, with their diverse skill sets and promising careers, could very well define the next generation of cricketing greatness.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: India’s new batting sensation
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of spectacular. The 22-year-old left-hand opening batter from India, has been fantastic till now with the bat, be it in Indian jersey or the pink jersey of Rajasthan in IPL. Recently, he caught the world’s attention during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where his scintillating knock of 161 in the second innings of the Perth Test helped India trounce Australia by 295 runs. Jaiswal’s technique and temperament were praised even by the typically critical Australian media, with legends like Adam Gilchrist and Brett Lee singing his praises.
Jaiswal’s impressive run in Test cricket has already included four centuries, all surpassing 150 runs. His debut against West Indies in 2023 was a statement—171 runs—followed by two back-to-back double hundreds against England at home earlier this year. Though his career has had a few stumbles, such as his zero in the first innings of the Perth Test, Jaiswal’s ability to bounce back quickly speaks volumes about his mental strength.
His strike rate in Test cricket, hovering around 67.8, is unusually high for an opening batter, reflecting his aggressive intent and ability to accelerate the game. This combination of flair and fearlessness is reminiscent of the great Virender Sehwag, whose explosive batting at the top of the order often sets the tone for India. Given Jaiswal’s consistency and confidence, he looks well on his way to becoming India’s next cricketing superstar.
Jaiswal has also proven his prowess in the shorter formats, boasting a strike rate of 164.3 in T20s, and his adaptability across all formats only increases his potential to dominate global cricket for years to come.
Harry Brook: England’s aggressive maverick
At just 25, Harry Brook has already become a central figure in England’s aggressive Test cricket revolution, led by the “Bazball” philosophy under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes. Brook’s rise has been meteoric—his 2023 triple century against Pakistan in Multan came in only his 19th Test match, making it the second-fastest triple century in history. With eight centuries and ten fifties in just 23 Tests, Brook has already racked up 2280 runs at an average of 61.62—an average far superior to many current and past greats at this stage of their careers.
Brook’s numbers, including a career-best 317, suggest that he could eventually join the ranks of the upcoming “Fab 4”, which currently includes Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root—the current titans of Test cricket. Brook’s fearless approach to batting has redefined traditional Test cricket, focusing on scoring quickly while maintaining solid technique.
While it’s premature to claim that Brook will match the legacy of players like Kohli or Smith, he is undoubtedly on the right path. His ability to accelerate, along with his solid defensive techniques, makes him a promising candidate to shape the future of English cricket in all formats.
Kamindu Mendis: Sri Lanka’s consistent gem
In Sri Lanka, Kamindu Mendis has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects. With an ability to play both as a batter and a spin bowler, Mendis is a rare find in modern cricket. The 24-year-old has been breaking records and creating a buzz since his Test debut, where he became the fastest Asian to score five Test centuries. His consistency is staggering, having scored a half-century or more in each of his first eight Tests—a feat that had not been accomplished for 147 years.
Mendis’s record-breaking streak includes becoming the fastest to 1,000 Test runs and posting a remarkable 79.00 average in his first nine Tests. With a career-high score of 182, Mendis has shown that he is more than capable of playing long innings at the highest level. His ability to adapt across formats, and his knack for performing under pressure, make him a player to watch in the coming years. Furthermore, his skills as a spin bowler provide added depth to his game, giving Sri Lanka an all-rounder of immense potential.
At just 24, Mendis is already being compared to Sri Lanka’s legends like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, and the expectation is that he will continue to carry the legacy of Sri Lankan cricket forward in the coming decade.
Tristan Stubbs: South Africa’s rising star
South Africa’s cricketing landscape is undergoing a transformation, with Tristan Stubbs emerging as one of the most promising young talents. At just 24, Stubbs has already made waves in both the T20 and Test formats, showcasing his ability to adapt and perform under varying conditions. Initially known for his power-hitting in T20s, Stubbs has now made an impressive mark in Tests, including a solid century against Sri Lanka.
Stubbs’s rise in T20 cricket—where he played several match-winning knocks in the IPL and T20 World Cup—helped him earn a place in South Africa’s Test side. His performances have been equally impressive in the longer format, where he has already notched up two Test centuries in six matches with an impressive average of 43.90. His calmness under pressure and ability to play long innings, while still maintaining the explosive style he’s known for, makes him a unique talent. With calm and composure, the young talent has gone on to score 439 runs in his first sox matches.
South Africa has long been home to some of the game’s greats—Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, and Hashim Amla. Stubbs, now, has the potential to join this elite group, offering a mix of power and resilience.
Are they the next-gen greats?
The emergence of players like Jaiswal, Brook, Mendis, and Stubbs highlights an exciting future for the sport. Each of these young players has demonstrated remarkable talent, adaptability, and consistency in their respective careers so far. While they have much to prove, their early successes and impressive performances suggest that they could very well shape the future of world cricket.
From Jaiswal’s fearless batting to Brook’s boundary-blasting technique, Mendis’s all-round capabilities, and Stubbs’s explosive presence, these players represent the future of cricket—a future that is fast-paced, aggressive, and full of promise. If they continue on their current trajectories, they could indeed become the next generation of cricketing greats, following in the footsteps of the legends who have set the bar so high.
