Centurion by day, pani puri seller by night: India's Yashasvi Jaiswal narrates his inspirational journey

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Web Desk
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The teen batsman hopes to make a name in international cricket. Photo: BCCI

Indian cricketer Yashasvi Jaiswal is the latest in line of sports' many inspiring stories that went from struggles and humble beginnings to fame and realisation of lifelong dreams.

Jaiswal, 17, grabbed the attention of selectors when he became the youngest batsman to score a double-century in List-A cricket, which paved his way for selection for the Under-19 World Cup squad in South Africa next year.

The batting starlet's 203-run knock off 154 balls for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy proved pivotal in getting him noticed. However, he did not have it easy and, in a video with icc-cricket.com, narrated his turbulent journey to becoming a prominent batman.

Being the son of a shopkeeper, Jaiswal was subjected to major difficulties. When his father could no longer sustain the family, the teen was forced to live in a tent and sell snacks at a sports ground in order to make his living in Mumbai.

Despite the troubling time, the 17-year-old remained unwavered. "I love playing cricket and when I moved to Mumbai with my father I would play at the sports ground. However, when my father could no longer continue, I remained here in hope to one day play for Mumbai," he said. 

“I used to live in a tent and it wasn’t easy because I did not have access to basic necessities. In order to sustain my self I used to sell pani puris and fruit to keep things going."

The teen admitted that his economic condition often left him ashamed in front of his peers, who gave him silent reminders when they visited the shop he worked at.

"It was embarrassing for me because I would score a century in the morning but then sell pani puris in the evening.”

However, things took a turn for the better when Mumbai Cricket Club founder Jawla Singh noted the youth’s skill and offered to take charge of Jaiswal’s needs.

"I didn’t have money, nor a place to stay but Sir Jawla saw me and my whole life changed from then on," he said. "I was then selected to play for Mumbai and I became the youngest to score a double century in List A cricket."