Yashasvi Jaiswal: From Selling Pani Puris to Playing for India — A Journey of Resilience, Humility, and Self-Belief
At just 23, Yashasvi Jaiswal stands as one of Indian cricket’s most inspiring young stars — not just for his dazzling stroke play, but for the grit and humility that shaped his rise.
Born in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, and raised in the bylanes of Mumbai’s cricket culture, Jaiswal’s journey from selling pani puris to representing India on the global stage reads like a modern-day fairytale — written in sweat, tears, and unshakable faith.
In a candid conversation with Raj Shamani on the Figuring Out podcast, the left-handed opener opened up about his life before fame — a chapter filled with hunger, struggle, and undying hope.
The Early Struggles: Living in a Tent, Selling Pani Puris
Recalling his teenage years, Jaiswal shared that survival in Mumbai was never easy. “I used to stay with my uncle for some time, but it was difficult to continue.
Eventually, I got a chance to stay in a tent near the Azad Maidan,” he said. The tent belonged to the Muslim United Club, a local cricket club that became his first real home in the city.
“There was a game I had to play, and I did well,” he recalled. “After that, the club allowed me to stay with them. I just wanted to be around cricket — that was all I needed.”
But staying in a tent wasn’t just symbolic of poverty — it was a test of perseverance. “I used to sell pani puris to make ends meet,” Jaiswal revealed.
“People at the club became my family. If something was being cooked for them, I helped. If they needed help after practice, I joined in to earn a bit of money. That was my life then.”
The young cricketer never saw this phase as shameful — instead, he embraced it with grace. “No work is big or small,” he said with conviction. “What matters is how sincerely you do it. I gave my 100 per cent, whether it was cricket or helping someone earn a living.”
The Turning Point: Discipline, Dedication, and Self-Talk
Jaiswal’s story took a turn when his performances in school and club tournaments caught the eye of selectors. His record-breaking double century in List A cricket in 2019 — the youngest ever — made the cricketing world sit up and take notice.
Soon after, his heroics for India U-19 in the World Cup and his exploits in the IPL for Rajasthan Royals confirmed that a star had arrived.
Yet, what makes Yashasvi special isn’t just his batting — it’s his mindset.
He shared that one of his biggest tools for personal growth is self-conversation. “I talk to myself in the mirror for 10 to 15 minutes daily,” he revealed.
“It keeps me grounded. When I do well, I appreciate myself. When I fail, I remind myself that this, too,o is a lesson. It’s how I prepare to move forward.”
Balancing Aggression with Calm
Known for his fearless batting, Jaiswal admitted that aggression is an important part of his game — but only when it’s controlled.
“I have aggression, but I always remind myself what’s more important — the team. I never want to lose myself in anger,” he said. “Aggression is important, but you shouldn’t display it unnecessarily. There’s a fine line between confidence and overconfidence.”
Lessons for Every Dreamer
Jaiswal’s journey teaches invaluable lessons:
- Perseverance conquers hardship.
- Pride in small beginnings leads to big achievements.
- Self-reflection builds mental strength.
- Discipline turns dreams into destiny.
From sleeping in a tent to scoring centuries for India, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s life is proof that no dream is too distant — if you are willing to fight for it every single day.
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