“A 5-year journey”: Mumbai Indians may have pulled off a sensational win against the Rajasthan Royals on Sunday with a blockbuster finish by Tim David, however, it was Rajasthan’s Yashasvi Jaiswal who stole all the limelight with his record-breaking knock. Jaiswal, who scored more than half of the runs that RR made, won the Player of the Match award for his knock of 124 off 62 balls.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Played A Record-Breaking Knock
Yashasvi Jaiswal played a memorable knock on the historic 1000th Indian Premier League match on Sunday. He played like a lone wolf for his side and the next best score from his side was his opening partner Jos Buttler’s 18 off 19 balls. Jaiswal’s knock of 124 runs was laced with 16 fours and 8 sixes. He was dismissed only off the fourth ball of the 20th over, thus nearly playing through the innings.
From Azad Maidan to Wankhede – not just a 5-minute ride, but a 5-year journey. 💗 pic.twitter.com/onfvjZLjUk
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) May 1, 2023
This knock took Jaiswal to the top of the Orange Cap standings in the ongoing 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League, surpassing Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, and David Warner. He has now 428 runs in his account off nine games he has played so far in the ongoing season.
While those who have followed the journey and career of Yashasvi Jaiswal won’t be too surprised by his heroics. His journey has been nothing less than an inspiration.
Hailed as one of the most promising talents across formats in Indian cricket, Yashasvi had to go through a lot of ups and downs to find success.
Jaiswal Used To Live In A Tent
However, his journey hasn’t been an easy one. He had to undergo a lot of hardships to make it to where he is today. Not many are aware of the fact that Jaiswal was staying in a tent with the groundsmen of the Azad Maiden in Dadar, Mumbai. He came to Mumbai from his hometown of Bhadohi in Uttar Pradesh to receive cricket coaching at the Maidan and with no place to sleep, he had to live in the tent.
He Used To Sell Panipuris
He was also evicted from a shop where he was working in the Kalbadevi neighborhood to earn bread for himself. After losing his job, he started selling ‘pani-pooris’ to make ends meet.
Santacruz-based coach Jwala Singh spotted the talent of Jaiswal and took him under his wing. He also provided Yashasvi Jaiswal with a place to stay. It was just a matter of time before Yashasvi started gaining attention with his superb performances. It was in 2015 when he came to the limelight when he scored 319 not out and took 13/99 in a Giles Shield match,. This all-around record in school cricket was even recognized by the Limca Book of Records.
Yashasvi’s Talent Soon Started Making Noise
Riding on this stellar performance, Yashasvi soon made it to the Mumbai U16 squad and later graduated to the U19 squad as well. After playing in some more important tournaments and marquee events, Jaiswal made his senior first class debut in the 2018/19 Ranji Trophy season for Mumbai and ever since then there has been no turning backs for him.
Ever since he made his debut for Mumbai in first-class cricket in January 2019, Jaiswal has scored 1845 runs off just 15 games at an amazing average of 80.21 and strike rate of 67.48 to boot. He has already scored 9 centuries and two half-centuries in first-class cricket. He is also the youngest one to score a double century in 50-over cricket. Apart from this, he was also the leading run scorer in the 2020 U-19 World Cup, having scored 400 runs in 6 games, including one century and four half-centuries.
IPL Debut:
He was bought by the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 2020 Indian Premier League. Yashasvi Jaiswal made his Twenty20 debut for the Rajasthan Royals in the 2020 IPL on 22 September 2020. He made his maiden half-century against Chennai Super Kings on 2 October 2021.
“Thank You Cricket” – Yashasvi
Speaking about his journey, which was full of ups and downs, Jaiswal said: “The journey I’ve had, that will stay with me for life,”
He said: “I still think the same and I stay the same. I haven’t made any extraordinary changes in my life, and I am not going to either. I want to move forward in the same way I’ve done so far. 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,“
