Ayush Jethwa- Mumbai’s very own Jacques Kallis in the making?

Jacques Kallis has over 40 test centuries and 200+ wickets in Tests, the same record goes in ODI’s where he averages 44 with the bat with 10,000+ runs while also has over 250+ ODI wickets. Jacques Kallis is one such all rounder who can never be replaced for centuries. For once, Sachin’s batting record may get broken by Kohli or some other kid on the block but breaking South African legend Kallis’s record is going to be very very difficult and when a 16yr old boy from Mumbai is being compared to  such a big iconic sportsman, the responsibility just gets bigger. Even though it may be an over statement as of now to compare the talented Ayush Jethwa to Kallis, but as far as his consistency is concerned, he is definitely proving a point. Numbers don’t lie and especially Ayush’s statistics since the last 12 months.

Ayush Jethwa who is just 14yrs old and studies in SVIS School Borivali in 8std has already played in numerous tournaments this year. From Giles Shield, Mahindra Selection shield to Payyade selection trophy to Harris shield to even the Kanga where players almost twice his age and experience play. Ayush whose favorite shot is an elegant straight drive has consistently scored runs and taken wickets at almost every game and every tournament he has got to play. And what’s more, he has fired at the right time when his team needed him the most.

From hitting a century in the semi finals along with taking a stunning 6/5 in the same match with the ball to again hitting a century in the finals of the CPCC tournament, Ayush made sure that his team need not worry when he is in the playing XI. Ayush who is still young, raw and innocent is equally a team player who not only loves to hear and implement on other’s views and opinions but is also an equal participant in taking decisions or giving his own viewpoints in a match. In fact, it is his humble attitude coupled with exceptional perfomance which has made him the skipper of the U-14 Mumbai team which is a very huge success.

Batting at an average of 50+ since the last 105innings, the ability to play calmly as well as shift gears when required, the ability to provide crucial breakthroughs and break partnerships with the ball has certainly made him a pivotal part of any team he plays for and there are hardly any all-rounders in his age group who can match the consistency at which he is playing. Even though Ayush definitely has a long journey ahead to become the next Kallis at the highest level of cricket, but from what we can see as of now, Ayush is surely showing promising signs of becoming one in the coming future.

Apart from his father Viren Jethwa who always supports Ayush in his cricketing journey, a large part of credit in his journey also goes to his coach Raju Lad sir whose earlier students have been the likes of Rohit Sharma, Siddhesh Lad, Shardul Thakkur amongst others. Seems like Raju Lad sir is once again succeeding in polishing a raw uncut diamond!

Statistics of Ayush Jethwa since the last 12 months-

CRICKETGRAPH