In a sport often revered as a religion, it is a rare honour for someone to receive the blessing of a cricketing ‘God’: “Yashasvi Bhava!”— a powerful wish for lifelong success. Sachin Tendulkar tweeted after Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a sensational century against England in a career-defining series at the beginning of 2024.
Cut to Perth November 2024. The 22-year-old, now in his 15th Test, faces a bowler playing his 90th Test; the latter unleashes a fiery delivery that pitches on a good length and swings away to beat the bat — something that will rattle any batter. But the youngster, oozing confidence and calmness, stares back at the bowler and delivers the knockout punch: “It’s coming too slow for me.”
The moment encapsulated Jaiswal’s intrepid journey as a boy from Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, to a man at Perth’s Optus Stadium, not just surviving but thriving under pressure. He scored 161 — the highest by an Indian in one of the toughest venues as the visitors achieved their biggest victory (by runs) Down Under.
Jaiswal has faced a myriad of challenges and unforeseen turns, much like the missile hurled by Mitchell Starc, each one demanding resilience and adaptability.
His courage, confidence and, most importantly, discipline stem from growing up alone in Mumbai ever since he was a nine-year-old. It is evident in every challenge Jaiswal has faced after making his Test debut in 2023 against the West Indies when he scored a remarkable century.
“The main reason for my confidence and courage are my parents. My father always used to tell me only one line while I was growing up: Jo Darr Gaye, Woh Mar Gaye (those who are scared achieve nothing in life). He used to say that if you are scared, nobody is going to save you. Have determination, courage and patience.”
Every ball he encountered during his Perth marathon was not just another one in the over but a test of his skill and mental fortitude, reminding him of the hurdles he had to overcome in life as challenges rained on him with relentless fury.
Patience and pluck
Jaiswal showcased an impressive combination of patience and pluck, traits that set the tone for his knock. In stark contrast to his dismissal for a duck in the first innings — he had fallen victim to a drive with an unsteady front foot — he made a few adjustments during the second dig.
He made a conscious effort to firmly plant his front foot and cover the line before fully committing to his drives. The subtle adjustment provided him better control over his strokes, effectively countering the movement generated by the pacers.
Jaiswal reached his half-century off 123 balls, his slowest in the longest format, highlighting the power of concentration and reflecting his commitment to stay rooted to the crease.
Expanding his range
Once he got his eye in, the left-hander gradually expanded his range; his strike-rate also improved as he counter-attacked and demonstrated his ability to seize the moment.
His calculated approach not only showed his growing maturity but also his ability to adapt to situations. His shot selection, too, stood out.
Two numbers — 297 and 432 — caught the attention. The first was the number of balls he dealt with in the second essay while the second was the duration he spent at the crease. The knock was pivotal, echoing his perseverance in Mumbai without much resources to fall back on.
“Nobody can break me mentally… I keep thinking that about myself. Nobody can touch me mentally. I love to work hard and I just want to keep learning. This game is such that you can’t relax at any given point. You have to put in effort even in the practice sessions.
“My goal is simple: whenever I get an opportunity, I want to do well. I just focus on the process,” said Jaiswal.
His sharp instincts, sharpened further by life experiences right from a tender age, transformed the first innings duck into a game-changing monumental show in the second.
“There is pressure always when representing your country. That’s the beauty of sport, and also life. I really enjoy the pressure… in fact, I want to go out and express myself under pressure. At times it is a little scary, but I keep telling myself about the time when I started out in Mumbai and the hurdles I have overcome to play at the highest level. That helps me perform,” said Yashasvi in a Rajasthan Royals podcast.
Inspiring tales
In cricketing history, there are countless inspiring stories of individuals who have risen from extremely humble beginnings to script extraordinary careers through self-belief and hard work.
Conversely, there are poignant tales of exceptional talent that has withered away into obscurity, leaving behind only the echoes of what could have been. The potential, when left unutilised, unrefined and uncharted, is akin to a bird confined to the ground — possessing wings yet unable to fly.
No one triggers the spark in a child or student’s life quite like a devoted guru.
Enter Jwala Singh — truly embodying his name which means ‘flame’. With a fierce passion for the willow game, he ignited a remarkable path for a talented young player, profoundly influencing the course of Jaiswal’s life and inspiring him to great heights.
Guiding force
To the student, Jwala is a guiding force, a mentor whose wisdom and support shaped his dream and destiny.
The deep connection transcended the boundaries of the cricket field as Jwala played a huge role in nurturing Jaiswal’s ambitions. By welcoming the boy into his home, the coach not only provided a haven and nourishing meals, but also ensured every aspect of Jaiswal’s needs was met; it created an environment of warmth and encouragement for the lonely lad.
With a twinkle in his eye, the proud coach reminisced the time he first met his protege. “I first met Yashasvi on December 17, 2013. My team had just finished a match at Azad Maidan and as I was about to leave, I saw an old friend who was watching a senior batter playing and complaining about a wicket in the nets.
“A few minutes later, I saw a young boy batting beautifully on the same surface. When I asked my friend about him, he mentioned that Yashasvi had come from Badohi, had no one with him and was living alone,” Jwala said in a video.
Tent and the ground’s ‘tenant’
“Despite my friend having concerns about his safety and urging him to return to his village, Yashasvi chose to stay. He pointed to a tent on the ground where he lived with the groundsmen, revealing: “Sir, I have no one here.”
“Imagine a 12-year-old from a small village in UP staying alone in a big city like Mumbai, parents staying back in the village… no background, no money, no relatives, nothing! That is a lot of pressure on those young shoulders.
“There are a few things for which you don’t have answers. I came to Mumbai from Gorakhpur (UP) when I was 12. His story is similar to mine. Maybe that’s one of the biggest reasons why I wanted to take him in.
‘Listening to my own’
“When Yashasvi was narrating the story about his struggles, it felt like I was listening to my own. At the back of my mind, I’ve always had this feeling that someday I will do something to support someone.
“The other thing is the passion for cricket which runs in my blood. I never felt he was a different person, I’ve always felt he and I were the same. It is a strange combination and I strongly believe it has been created by the almighty. We are very happy and enjoying this phase,” said Jwala.
An emotional Jaiswal, too, emphasised the impact his coach has had on his life and career.
“Jwala sir… he is my coach, he is my everything. For me, he is God. I have no words to say, you can understand my feelings. The day I met him was the best day of my life,” said Jaiswal.
There is no one more powerful than a person who has nothing to lose. Hunger — literal as well as professional — can drive individuals to the most incredible feats or pull them down to a dark path. It all hinges on the guidance and support one receives to navigate life’s ‘bouncers.’
Leading light
In this case, Jaiswal had a Jwala (light); together they began to build their edifice, carefully placing one brick atop another and making a bright future for themselves with each small step and victory.
“Accha khelne wale bohut hote hain, lekin lamba khelne wale kam hote hain (there are many people who play really well, but there are only a few who play for a long time). He has a good temperament, I think that’s what makes the difference. I have a good feeling that he will play long.”
The Aussies realised this during Jaiswal’s second innings at their fortress — Perth. They faced a fearless batter, who stitched a stunning 201-run partnership with K.L. Rahul for the opening wicket and changing the course of the match.
Mumbai may not suit everyone. It is a city for those who dig deep, work tirelessly and grind it out… the City of Dreams possesses the power to either make or break you.
It is a place for individuals who dare to dream and push themselves to the limit. It is a sanctuary for those who strive for excellence, ultimately leading them to Yashas (fame). As Yashasvi found out.
Published – December 11, 2024 12:40 am IST
