The battle for the opener’s spot in the Indian cricket team has intensified with the emergence of two young stars Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill.
Both have displayed immense talent and the potential to dominate Indian cricket for years. But when it comes to leading the innings, the big question remains: Who is the better opener?
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. From humble beginnings to becoming a standout performer in IPL and domestic cricket, his fearless batting and aggressive intent have made him a player to watch.
His ability to take on bowlers from the outset makes him an exciting prospect for India’s top order.
On the other hand, Shubman Gill has already established himself as one of India’s most reliable openers. He has excelled in international cricket across all formats with a solid technique and a calm demeanor.
Whether in Test matches, ODIs, or T20Is, Gill’s consistency and elegant stroke play make him a key asset for the team.
In this detailed comparison, we will analyze their performances in IPL and international cricket, compare their stats, and break down their playing styles to determine who holds the edge as India’s best opener.
Quick Comparison Table
| Stat | YB Jaiswal | Shubman Gill |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Style | Agg. Left-Hander | Classical Right-Hander |
| IPL Team | Rajasthan Royals | Gujarat Titans |
| Best in IPL | 2023 – 625 Runs | 2023 – 916 (Top) |
| T20I Avg & SR | 36.15 / 164.31 | 30.42 / 139.27 |
| Test Avg | 55.18 | 36.45 |
| ODI Avg | (No ODIs yet) | 58.20 |
| Career 100s | 4 (All in Tests) | 12 (5 Test, 6 ODI, 1 T20 ) |
Batting Style Comparison
Both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill have distinct batting styles that suit different formats of the game.
Jaiswal is an aggressive left-handed opener who thrives on attacking the bowlers early, making him a perfect fit for limited-overs cricket.
On the other hand, Gill’s classical right-handed technique allows him to anchor the innings while also shifting gears when needed.
Let’s take a closer look at how their batting approaches set them apart.
Yashasvi Jaiswal (Powerplay Hitter)
Yashasvi Jaiswal is an aggressive left-handed opener known for his fearless approach. His ability to take on fast bowlers right from the start makes him an ideal choice for T20 and ODI formats, where early momentum is crucial. With a natural attacking mindset, Jaiswal thrives in powerplay overs, scoring quick runs and putting pressure on the opposition.
Shubman Gill (Stroke Player)
Shubman Gill, a right-handed batsman, is known for his classical technique and consistency. Unlike Jaiswal, Gill focuses more on building innings, making him a strong asset in Tests and ODIs. However, he is not just a defensive player his ability to accelerate when needed makes him a reliable choice across all formats. His elegant stroke play and adaptability set him apart as a modern-day batting sensation.
IPL Performance & Domestic Records
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill have both made a big impact in Indian cricket through their IPL and domestic performances. Jaiswal, known for his aggressive batting, scored more than 625 runs in IPL 2023, while Gill’s steady form helped him win the 2023 Orange Cap with 916 runs for Gujarat Titans.
In domestic cricket, Jaiswal has a strong batting average of 51.72 in First-Class and List-A formats, showing he can perform in different formats. On the other hand, Gill has scored over 9500 runs with an average of 49.03, proving he’s reliable in longer formats.
Now, let’s take a closer look at their detailed IPL and domestic records.
IPL Records (Jaiswal vs Gill)
| Stat | YB Jaiswal | Shubman Gill |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 33 | 66 |
| Runs Scored | 1048 | 1799 |
| The fifties | 34.93 | 34.74 |
| Batting Strike Rate | 145.09 | 134.72 |
| Centuries | 1 | 2 |
| Fifties | 8 | 12 |
| Highest Score | 125 | 129 |
Domestic Records (Jaiswal vs Gill)
| Stat | YB Jaiswal | Shubman Gill |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 70 | 163 |
| Runs Scored | 3632 | 9594 |
| Batting Average | 52.22 | 49.03 |
| Batting Strike Rate | 94.89 | 81.92 |
| Centuries | 18 | 26 |
| Fifties | 19 | 43 |
| Highest Score | 208 | 268 |
Int. Career Comparison
| Stat | The fifties | Shubman Gill |
|---|---|---|
| Debut | 2023 (Tests, T20Is) | 2019 (ODIs, Tests) |
| Matches Played | 19 Tests, 3 T20Is | 47 ODIs, 32 Tests |
| Runs Scored | 1,798 runs | 2,328 runs (ODIs), 1,893 runs (Tests) |
| Batting Average | 52.88 (Tests) | 58.20 (ODIs), 35.05 (Tests) |
| Centuries | 4 (Tests) | 6 (ODIs), 5 (Tests) |
| Fifties | 10 (Tests) | 13 (ODIs), 7 (Tests) |
| Highest Score | 203 (Tests) | 208 (List A), 268 (Tests) |
| Strike Rate | 66.21 (Tests) | 94.89 (List A), 136.72 (T20Is) |
| Playing Role | Opening Batter | Opening Batter |
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Since his international debut in July 2023, Jaiswal has made a big impact. In his first Test series against the West Indies, he scored a century in his debut innings, becoming the third youngest Indian to do so.
He then followed this up with two double centuries against England in early 2024, showing his ability to turn good starts into big scores. As of January 2025, Jaiswal has played 19 Test matches, scoring 1,798 runs at an average of 52.88, with four centuries and ten fifties.
Shubman Gill
Gill has been a consistent performer for India since his debut in 2019. In ODIs, he has scored 2,328 runs in 47 matches at an average of 58.20, including six centuries and thirteen fifties. In Tests, he has made 1,893 runs in 32 matches at an average of 35.05, with five centuries and seven fifties.
His ability to perform in different formats and his steady form make him a key player for India, with expectations for him to be a regular in the 2027 World Cup.
Fantasy Cricket & T20 Impact
Yashasvi Jaiswal:
- A more valuable option for fantasy cricket players due to his aggressive batting style and ability to score quickly.
- His explosive knocks, especially during the powerplay in T20s, make him a great pick for Dream11 IPL 2024.
- Known for his fearless approach, he is an ideal choice for fantasy teams looking for big hits and high impact during the early overs.
Shubman Gill:
- A safer and more reliable fantasy pick, offering consistency across all formats, especially in longer formats like Tests and ODIs.
- In T20s, while not as explosive as Jaiswal, his technical prowess and ability to anchor the innings make him a valuable asset for steady scores.
- His solid performances in ODIs and Tests make him a great choice for fantasy leagues that include a variety of formats.
Final Thought
To wrap it up, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill each have their special qualities. Jaiswal’s aggressive batting makes him an exciting prospect for the future, especially in T20s and ODIs. His ability to score quickly in the powerplay is something that stands out.
On the other hand, Shubman Gill is known for his consistency and solid technique. He’s reliable in all formats, from Tests to ODIs, and has proven himself as one of India’s top openers.
Who’s Your Pick?
Is Jaiswal’s explosive style the future of India’s opening lineup, or does Gill’s consistency make him the better choice?
We want to hear from you!
Who do you think is the better Indian opener? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
FAQs
What is the difference between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill?
Yashasvi Jaiswal plays aggressively and likes to attack bowlers from the start, especially in T20 and ODI formats. Shubman Gill is a calmer player with a solid technique, focusing on playing long innings in all formats.
How did Yashasvi Jaiswal perform in the IPL?
Yashasvi Jaiswal had a great IPL 2023 season, scoring 625 runs for Rajasthan Royals with a strike rate of 145.09. He’s known for hitting fast and scoring quickly during the powerplay overs.
What is Shubman Gill’s IPL record?
Shubman Gill has scored 1,799 runs in 66 IPL matches with an average of 34.74. He won the Orange Cap in 2023 for scoring 916 runs, showing his ability to play both steady and fast innings.
How have they performed in international cricket?
Yashasvi Jaiswal made a great start to his Test career in 2023, scoring a century in his first match. As of 2025, he has scored 1,798 runs in 19 Tests.
Shubman Gill has been playing for India since 2019, scoring over 2,300 runs in ODIs and 1,893 runs in Tests. He’s known for his consistency.
Which format does Yashasvi Jaiswal do best in?
Jaiswal is most successful in T20s and ODIs. His aggressive style is perfect for scoring fast in limited overs, making him a strong player in these formats.
How does Shubman Gill perform in Fantasy Cricket?
Shubman Gill is a great pick for fantasy cricket because he plays steady and consistent innings. While he’s not as fast as Jaiswal, his ability to score runs in all formats makes him a valuable choice.
Who is better for India’s future?
Both players are great but in different ways. Jaiswal’s fast batting makes him a strong option for limited-overs formats. On the other hand, Gill’s consistency and ability to play in all formats make him a key player for India’s future.
Is Yashasvi Jaiswal better for T20 cricket than Shubman Gill?
Yes, Jaiswal is better for T20 cricket because he likes to attack the bowlers early and score quickly. This makes him a perfect fit for T20 games.
What are their stats in Test cricket?
Yashasvi Jaiswal has an average of 55.18 in Test cricket, with four centuries and ten fifties.
Shubman Gill has an average of 35.05 in Test matches, with five centuries and seven fifties.
Why is Shubman Gill important for India in ODIs?
Shubman Gill is crucial for India in ODIs because he has an average of 58.20, scoring six centuries and thirteen fifties. His ability to play long innings makes him an important player in ODIs.
