Success stories of people, their journey from rags to riches are often heart-warming! One such story is of the hero of India’s successful campaign at 2018 Youth Asia Cup, Yashasvi Jaiswal. The Indian U-19 cricketer has been in the limelight, of late; for his breathtaking performances at the U-19 Asia Cup 2018 helped India win the sixth title! However, not many know the fact that the 17-year-old used to sell Panipuris to make his ends meet in his hay-days.

It is a little-known fact that the left-handed batsman had a humble background, to begin with. In an interview with ESPNCricinfo, Yashasvi Jaiswal spilt the beans about how arduous his journey to the initial success has been.

Talking about the struggles that he faced as a newcomer in the city of dreams, Mumbai, Yashasvi said, “When I came here, I just thought that I want to play Cricket and play for Mumbai. I was staying in a tent, where there was no electricity, washroom and other basic amenities.”

Speaking about how embarrassed he used to feel while selling Panipuris, but took everything in his stride to keep moving ahead. Yashasvi said, “When I was not able to meet my financial needs, I used to sell Panipuris as a street vendor in the night. It felt embarrassing when my team-mates used to come, and I used to serve them food. I felt terrible. However, I took everything in stride, and it was necessary too.”

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s coach and mentor, Jwala Singh said, “When I saw him (when he was 11-12 years old), batting in the nets against the Division A bowlers, I was quite impressed with him. My friend told me about Yashasvi and his problems that he has no coach, no place to live, and his parents weren’t here either.”

In the recently concluded Youth Asia Cup, the stalwart scored 318 runs, with an impressive average of 79.5, in four matches that he played in the tournament. For his spectacular batting display, Yashasvi Jaiswal was adjudged as the ‘Player of the Series’.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 10, 2018 04:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).