Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has now become one of the most talked-about batters in world cricket. He has already cemented his spot in the Indian Test team and has been terrific in the T20 format as well, especially in IPL.

Jaiswal was born in Uttar Pradesh, but his craze for cricket brought him to Mumbai, where he became the youngest player to score a double century in List A cricket in 2019. He then shone in the IPL, leading to his India debut in 2023 in Tests, where he scored a century on his debut in the West Indies. He has a century in T20Is as well for India and has played a handful of ODIs as well.

However, his rise to stardom has scars of struggles and determination. Jaiswal lived in a tent near a cricket club in Mumbai and helped his uncle in selling panipuris in his formative years. Jaiswal opened up about the hardships he faced while chasing his dream.

“I used to stay with my uncle for some time, and then I got a chance to stay in a tent at a club called Muslim United. I had to play a game I wanted to excel at, and when I performed well, they offered me a place to stay.

The people there became my family. If they were cooking or needed help after practice, I would assist them to earn a little money. That was my life back then, and it taught me that no work is too small if you give it your 100 percent,” Jaiswal said on the Raj Shamani podcast.

Beyond the hardships, Jaiswal reflected on how he channels his aggression on the field. He also explained the fine balance between confidence and overconfidence.

“I often talk to myself in the mirror for 10–15 minutes. It helps me stay focused. When I perform well, I make sure to applaud myself and get ready for the next challenge. I have aggression, but I always remind myself of what’s important for the team. You must control it—confidence is essential, but overconfidence can cost you,” he said.

Yashasvi Jaiswal will be seen in action for the Indian team in the second Test against the West Indies that begins on October 10.