Introduction

Yashasvi Jaiswal, a name synonymous with resilience and talent, has emerged as one of Indian cricket’s brightest prospects. At just 23, his journey from selling pani puri on the streets of Mumbai to smashing double centuries in Test cricket is nothing short of inspirational. This article delves into his early life, cricketing career, major achievements, and his impact on Indian cricket, offering a comprehensive look at a player poised to dominate the global stage.

 

Early Life and Struggles

Born on December 28, 2001, in Suriyawan, Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, Yashasvi was the youngest of four children to Bhupendra Jaiswal, a small hardware store owner, and Kanchan Jaiswal, a homemaker. At age 10, driven by his passion for cricket, he moved to Mumbai, a city known for its competitive cricketing culture. Life in Mumbai was far from easy. Initially housed in a dairy shop in exchange for work, Yashasvi was evicted due to his inability to balance work and cricket practice. For three years, he lived in a tent at Azad Maidan, surviving on minimal food and selling pani puri to make ends meet. Despite these hardships, his determination never wavered. In 2013, coach Jwala Singh recognised his talent, took him under his wing, and provided him with a stable home, becoming his legal guardian. This turning point marked the beginning of Yashasvi’s ascent in cricket.

 

Domestic and Under-19 Career

Yashasvi’s talent shone early in domestic cricket. In 2015, he etched his name in the Limca Book of Records by scoring an unbeaten 319 runs in a Giles Shield match, showcasing his prodigious ability. He made his first-class debut for Mumbai in the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy and his List A debut in the 2019–20 Vijay Hazare Trophy. In October 2019, at just 17 years and 292 days, he became the youngest cricketer to score a double century in List A cricket, smashing 203 runs off 154 balls against Jharkhand. His 564 runs in six matches at an average of 112.80 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy underlined his consistency.

In the 2020 Under-19 World Cup, Yashasvi was India’s leading run-scorer, amassing over 400 runs, including a century in the semifinal against Pakistan. Named Player of the Tournament, his performances caught the attention of IPL scouts, paving the way for his professional career.

 

IPL Journey with Rajasthan Royals

Yashasvi’s IPL career began with the Rajasthan Royals, who signed him for INR 2.4 crore ahead of the 2020 season. His debut against Chennai Super Kings was memorable, not just for his performance but for his heartwarming “namaste” to MS Dhoni. Early IPL seasons were challenging, with limited opportunities and modest returns. However, 2023 proved to be a breakout year. He scored 625 runs at an average of 48.07 and a strike rate of 163.61, including a record-breaking 13-ball fifty against Kolkata Knight Riders—the fastest in IPL history. He also became RR’s youngest centurion with a 124 against the Mumbai Indians. Retained for INR 18 crore for IPL 2025, Yashasvi remains a cornerstone of the franchise, though his 2025 season has seen a slower start with 107 runs in five matches.

 

International Breakthrough

Yashasvi’s international debut came in July 2023 during a Test series against the West Indies, where he announced his arrival with a stunning 171, earning Player of the Match honours. His T20I debut followed in August 2023, and he scored a maiden T20I century (100 off 49 balls) against Nepal at the 2023 Asian Games. The 2024 home Test series against England was a defining moment, as he scored 712 runs, including back-to-back double centuries (209 and 214*), becoming the third Indian after Vinod Kambli and Virat Kohli to achieve this feat. His 12 sixes in a single Test innings in Rajkot equalled Wasim Akram’s world record.

In the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Yashasvi silenced critics with a gritty 161 in Perth, helping India secure a 295-run victory. Despite inconsistency in later Tests, he finished as India’s leading run-scorer in the series. He was also part of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning squad, though he didn’t play. His recent ODI debut in the 2025 Champions Trophy marked another milestone, though his omission from the second ODI sparked debate among fans.

 

Playing Style and Strengths

A left-handed opening batter, Yashasvi combines aggression with solid technique. His ability to read bowlers and adapt to situations sets him apart. Known for his fearless approach, he thrives under pressure, as seen in his Test performances against England and Australia. His resilience, honed by early struggles, allows him to bounce back from setbacks, making him a reliable performer across formats. However, his high-risk style has led to occasional early dismissals in T20S, an area he continues to refine.

 

Major Achievements

Youngest List A Double Centurion: Scored 203 runs at 17 years, 292 days in the 2019 Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Under-19 World Cup 2020: Player of the Tournament with over 400 runs.

Fastest IPL Fifty: 13 balls against KKR in 2023.

Test Double Centuries: Back-to-back 209 and 214* against England in 2024, the third Indian to achieve this.

Most Sixes in a Test Innings: Equalled Wasim Akram’s record with 12 sixes in Rajkot, 2024.

Leading Run-Scorer in Tests (2024): Topped India’s Test charts with significant contributions against England and Australia.

 

Personal Life and Off-Field Impact

Yashasvi’s story resonates deeply with aspiring cricketers, embodying the spirit of perseverance. His humility, seen in gestures like greeting Dhoni, and his focus, exemplified by avoiding social media in his early years, have earned him admiration. He draws inspiration from Sachin Tendulkar, who praised his century against England in 2024. Off the field, Yashasvi enjoys quiet moments, often reflecting by riversides, a habit that grounds him amidst cricketing pressures. His move from Mumbai to Goa for the 2025–26 domestic season, a surprising decision, reflects his willingness to embrace new challenges.

 

Future Prospects

At 23, Yashasvi is already a vital cog in India’s Test and T20I setups, with the potential to excel in ODIS. His ability to perform on big stages, like Perth and Rajkot, suggests he could be India’s next cricketing superstar. However, maintaining consistency in T20S and adapting to swinging conditions overseas will be key. With a strong work ethic and a hunger for runs, Yashasvi is well-positioned to dominate world cricket in the coming decade.