As we celebrate the 22nd birthday of Yashasvi Bhupendra Kumar Jaiswal on 28 December 2021, it’s a fitting occasion to reflect on the remarkable journey of this Indian cricket sensation. Born in Suriyawan, Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, Yashasvi Jaiswal has left an indelible mark on the cricketing world, earning accolades for his stellar performances both nationally and internationally.
Early Life and Struggles
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s journey began on 28 December 2001, as the fourth of six children to Bhupendra Jaiswal, the owner of a small hardware store, and Kanchan Jaiswal, a housewife. At the tender age of ten, he embarked on a life-changing move to Mumbai to pursue cricket training at Azad Maidan.
The early days were challenging, with Jaiswal initially finding accommodation in a dairy shop in exchange for work. However, setbacks didn’t deter him, and despite facing eviction due to infrequent work, he persisted. Living in a tent alongside the groundsmen at the Maidan, he even sold panipuri to make ends meet.
After three years of resilience and dedication, Jaiswal’s cricketing potential caught the eye of Jwala Singh in December 2013. Singh, running a cricket academy in Santacruz, not only provided him with a place to stay but became his legal guardian, marking a pivotal moment in Jaiswal’s life.
Youth Career Triumphs
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s journey to cricketing stardom gained momentum in 2015 when he scored an astounding 319 not out and took 13/99 in a Giles Shield match, setting an all-round record in school cricket in India. This exceptional performance earned him a spot in the Mumbai under-16 squad and later the India national under-19 cricket team.
The pinnacle of his youth career came in 2018 when he emerged as the highest run-scorer (318 runs) and the player of the tournament at the Under-19 Asia Cup, where India emerged victorious.
In 2019, Jaiswal continued to make waves, scoring 173 from 220 balls in a Youth Test match against South Africa under-19s. His consistent form saw him amass 294 runs in seven matches during the under-19 tri-series in England. The crowning moment came when he was named in India’s squad for the 2020 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, finishing as the leading run-scorer, including a century in the semi-final against Pakistan under-19s.
Senior Career Milestones
Jaiswal’s transition to the senior cricketing arena was seamless. Making his first-class debut for Mumbai in the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy on 7 January 2019, he showcased his prowess. His List A debut on 28 September 2019 in the 2019–20 Vijay Hazare Trophy saw him achieve the extraordinary—scoring 203 runs from 154 balls against Jharkhand, becoming the youngest double centurion in List A cricket at just 17 years and 292 days.
The 2020 IPL auction marked another milestone in his career as he was acquired by the Rajasthan Royals. His Twenty20 debut for the side on 22 September 2020 was nothing short of spectacular, and subsequent achievements, including a maiden T20 century on 30 April 2023 against Mumbai Indians, solidified his place as a cricketing prodigy.
In the 2023 Indian Premier League, Jaiswal’s bat spoke volumes, propelling him to the position of Rajasthan’s leading run-scorer with an impressive 625 runs in 14 matches. His record-breaking feat on 11 May 2023, hitting the fastest Indian Premier League half-century in just 13 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders, further cemented his status as a cricketing sensation.
International Stardom
June 2023 marked a historic moment as Yashasvi Jaiswal received his maiden call-up to India’s Test cricket squad for the series against the West Indies. Making his debut in the first Test, he opened the batting with a score of 171 runs, earning the Player of the Match accolade for his significant contribution to India’s victory.
His T20I debut in the 3rd match of the T20I series against West Indies in August 2023 showcased his adaptability. Notably, he scored his maiden T20I half-century—84* off 51 balls—in the fourth match of the series, forming a formidable opening partnership with Shubman Gill.
As we celebrate Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 22nd birthday, we pay tribute to a cricketer whose journey embodies resilience, dedication, and unparalleled skill. From the tents of Azad Maidan to the grandeur of international cricket, Jaiswal’s story continues to inspire millions. The legacy he’s building is not just in records but in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
