Indian prodigy Yashasvi Jaiswal reveals the reality of selling panipuris while pursuing cricket

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India cricket’s rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal has taken world cricket by storm over the past few years. The young opener, who has already established himself in India’s Test setup, is known for his fearless batting style and remarkable consistency. But behind the fame and success lies an inspiring tale of sacrifice, struggle, and unbreakable determination that has shaped Jaiswal into the player he is today.

Born in Suriyawan, Uttar Pradesh, Jaiswal’s love for cricket pushed him to Mumbai at a young age. Determined to make it big, he started living in a tent near the Muslim United Cricket Club at Azad Maidan because he couldn’t afford proper accommodation. Life was far from easy. To survive, Jaiswal sold panipuris alongside his uncle after practice sessions. This daily grind helped him sustain his cricket dreams while also teaching him resilience and humility.

In a recent conversation on the Raj Shamani podcast, Jaiswal opened up about those tough days and shared the real story of his life before fame. He recalled, “I used to stay with my uncle for some time, and later, I got permission to live in a tent at Muslim United. They offered me a place to stay in exchange for helping around the ground. I would assist with chores, cook food, and sell panipuris after matches just to earn enough to get by. Those experiences taught me that no job is too small when done with dedication,”

These early challenges motivated him to give his all to the sport. His consistent performances in Mumbai’s domestic circuit soon brought him into the limelight. In 2019, he created history by becoming the youngest cricketer to score a double century in List A cricket during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. That innings proved to be the turning point of his career. His success in domestic cricket earned him an IPL contract, where he continues to shine for the Rajasthan Royals with aggressive stroke play and a fearless mindset.

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Jaiswal’s mental strength sets him apart from many young cricketers. He admitted that his journey from selling snacks to facing the world’s best bowlers has transformed his outlook on life and sport. “I spend time talking to myself in the mirror for at least ten to fifteen minutes daily,It keeps me grounded and focused. When I perform well, I celebrate it, but I remind myself that there’s always another challenge waiting,” he added.

The left-hander also emphasized the importance of channeling aggression positively. On the field, he plays with high intensity but knows where to draw the line between confidence and arrogance. “Aggression is part of my game, but I ensure it’s controlled. Confidence is vital, but overconfidence can break you,” he admitted.

Since making his Test debut for India in 2023 against the West Indies—where he scored a century—Jaiswal has proven his worth across all formats. His performances in T20Is, including a brilliant hundred, and his IPL heroics reflect his maturity and growth. From struggling on Mumbai’s streets to becoming one of India’s brightest cricketing prospects, Jaiswal’s journey remains a timeless reminder that dreams backed by hard work and perseverance do come true.

As India prepare for the second Test against the West Indies starting October 10, all eyes will once again be on Jaiswal—the boy who turned panipuris into passion and persistence into poetic cricketing success.

Also WATCH: Yashasvi Jaiswal takes a stunning low catch to dismiss Shai Hope on Day 3 of the first Test