Yashasvi Jaiswal remembers watching an IPL match between the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings a few years ago at Wankhede Stadium. For the first time, he saw Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma play under the lights, and it has embedded itself in his mind.
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The 18-year-old, heralded as one for the future, may also find adulation as he prepares to debut at IPL, which kicks off in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday.
In October, the Indian U-19 batsman, playing for Mumbai, became the youngest in the world to score a double century in List A cricket. The left-handed batsman was bought by the 2008 winners Rajasthan Royals, a team known for giving young people a launching pad.
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“It is an absent IPL and due to Covid it will be a challenge. I have been preparing hard on the networks with older people like Robin Uthappa and Sanju Samson. Playing white ball under the lights would be a different experience and I’m getting used to it. I am excited to be part of the Rajasthan team at my first IPL. I have the opportunity to entertain people with my skills, ”he said in a chat from Dubai.
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RR bought the first-order hitter for ₹ 2.4 crore at auctions after his excellent efforts in India’s run to the U-19 World Cup final earlier this year.
“It would be great to play against Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Dhoni. We can only learn from these great cricketers and be inspired. It’s very important to me, ”said Jaiswal, who is from humble origins.
Originally from the village of Bhadohi in Uttar Pradesh, Jaiswal moved to Mumbai when he was 10 years old and was pursuing his cricket dream. The poor boy worked in a dairy, stayed in the gardeners’ tent at the Muslim United Club on Mumbai’s Azad Maidan and sold pani puri for a meager income.
This did not stop him from scoring many runs to enter the Indian youth team scorecard. In the U19 World Cup, where India lost in the final, it scored more than 400 runs, including a century in which it won a match against Pakistan in the semi-finals.
Jaiswal recalled his early days in Mumbai. “It was difficult to stay in tents and work hard to access even the basic amenities. Fortunately, I received help and guidance from my coach, Jwala Singh, sir, during difficult times. I have always focused on playing cricket and proving myself. The last few years have been very good; I played for Mumbai and for India (in the U19 World Cup). It has been an enriching experience representing my country and playing first-class cricket for Mumbai. ”
With no matches involving Indian cricketers since March, IPL will be a great platform to make a mark. Jaiswal wants not to be distracted by the good amount RR paid for him at auctions.
“Price doesn’t really matter to me at this stage in my career. I just want to focus on playing, learn from my senior players, develop my game and take it to the next level. The IPL will be seen by millions; to have the opportunity to play is incredible. ”
The India Under-19 team has been a proven route to success for many, including young hitters Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw. “Many cricketers who played at the Under-19 level have gone on to play for India. Every young man who plays cricket dreams of playing for India. It’s a dream to represent India, but for now I’m just focusing on IPL, contributing and leaving a mark, ”said the Tendulkar fan.
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