Yashahvi Jaiswal, the homeless Pani Puri seller who beats all odds to become the highest run scorer in this IPL Season
From selling panipuri to scoring a stunning century against Mumbai, Yashasvi Jaiswal has won over IPL fans all over the world.
Regardless of the outcome of a match, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a treasure trove of motivational stories about young cricketers who have overcome obstacles to win the championship. The latest star to join the club is Yashahvi Jaiswal, who pulled off a record chase against the Rajasthan Royals on Sunday. He scored a blistering 124 against a star-studded Mumbai Indians team, which has taken his season tally to 428 runs in nine games so far.
A day after scoring his first century at his home ground, the youngster spoke about his batting and why he hasn’t gotten carried away with his recent outcome in the IPL.
Those who have followed the 21-year-old’s young career won’t be too surprised by his success. In all formats of Indian cricket, Jaiswal is regarded as one of the most promising talents. Since making his top-of-the-line debut for Mumbai in January 2019, Jaiswal has scored 1845 runs in only 15 matches at an amazing normal of 80.21 and a strike pace of 67.48 for sure. In first-class cricket, he has already scored nine centuries and two half-centuries. He is the youngest player to achieve a double century in 50-over cricket and was the leading run scorer at the 2020 U-19 World Cup tournament, in which India lost to Bangladesh in the championship match. In that tournament, Jaiswal scored 400 runs in six matches, including one century and four half-centuries. But what makes his journey to success even more remarkable is where he started.
After being evicted from the Kalbadevi neighbourhood of Mumbai, Jaiswal was forced to stay in a tent with the groundsmen of the Azad Maiden in Dadar. To make ends meet, he sold pani puris while making the journey from his hometown of Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, to Mumbai for cricket coaching at the Maidan. “The journey I’ve had, that will stay with me for life,” Jaiswal had said ahead of the Ranji Trophy semi-finals between Mumbai and UP last year.
What a journey he has had. Proud of you, Yashasvi Jaiswal. ❤️#YashasviJaiswal pic.twitter.com/f46UiUf4rK
— Ashok Dubey 🐦 (@MeetashokDubey) April 30, 2023
“I want to move forward in the same way I’ve done so far,” added Jaiswal, reflecting on his incredible journey. “I know how much hard work and dedication it takes to achieve what you want. So I will be like that. I know myself. I am so blessed. Thank you, God, and thank you, cricket. Seriously.” Indeed, Jaiswal’s words demonstrate his unwavering determination and appreciation for the opportunities that have presented themselves to him.
Jaiswal’s talent was spotted by Santacruz-based coach Jwala Singh, who encouraged him and gave the youth a spot to remain. Jaiswal began to quickly attract attention with his knocks. In a Giles Shield match in 2015, he set an all-around school cricket record when he scored 319 not out and took 13/99, which was recognised by the Limca Book of Records. As a result, he was picked for the Mumbai U16 team and later made it to the U19 team. Soon he got selected for the Indian U19 team, shortly after scoring the most and being named player of the tournament at the 2018 U19 Asia Cup. He ended up making his senior first-class debut in the 2018/19 Ranji Trophy season for Mumbai.