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In the dazzling world of Indian cricket, one name that has been creating ripples across formats is Yashasvi Jaiswal. The left-handed batter’s recent double century against England in Vizag not only underscored his prowess on the field but also set the stage for India’s resounding victory over the visitors.
Apart from Yashasvi’s exceptional on-field performances, his off-field journey also adds layers to his success story. While many narratives have focused on Yashasvi’s alleged panipuri-selling days, a recent revelation by his childhood coach and legal guardian, Jwala Singh, challenges these claims and sheds light on the true narrative of the cricketer’s struggle.
Relocation and homelessness: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s struggle
Born to a small hardware store owner in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, on December 28, 2001, Yashasvi moved to Mumbai’s Dadar at the tender age of ten to pursue cricket training at Azad Maidan. Later, he found accommodation in a dairy shop in Kalbadevi, offering his services in exchange for a place to stay. However, his dedication to cricket led to his eviction from the shop, leaving him homeless.
Living in tents at Azad Maidan and meeting Jwala Singh
In a turn of fate, Yashasvi found solace in the tents of Azad Maidan, living with the groundsmen. It was during this challenging period that Jwala recognized his talent in 2013 and became Yashasvi’s legal guardian. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a transformative journey for the young cricketer.
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Jwala Singh denies panipuri-selling claims
Contrary to popular beliefs, Jwala, in an exclusive interview with myKhel, refuted claims that Yashasvi and his father were panipuri sellers. He disclosed that Yashasvi lived with him and his family after 2013, experiencing a life free from poverty. Jwala emphasized that sensationalizing tales of panipuri selling detracts from the true narrative of Yashasvi’s journey.
Jwala further emphasized his role as Yashasvi’s legal guardian, underscoring the substantial investments of time, money, and energy he made to foster the young talent into a thriving Indian cricketer. He clarified that the young talent lived in Santa Cruz, enjoying advanced facilities essential for aspiring Indian players.
“Sometimes I feel disappointed because people say he and his father was a panipuri seller. From December 17, 2013 to January 12, 2022 he stayed at my house with my family. There was nothing called poverty in his life at that time. Before that when he used to stay at a tent in Azad Maidan, he did some things back then. But his father was never a Panipuri seller,” said Jawala.
“I am his legal guardian and have the Power of Attorney through his parents. He stayed with me as my son. So I get hurt when people say he used to sell Panipuri. This is absolutely false. He stayed at a good place in Santa Cruz. He got facilities and we invested a lot of time, money and energy on him. You need advanced facilities to be an Indian player, and he got that. So many people think they will sell panipuri and play for India, which is completely misguiding. So this sensationalism needs to be stopped,” the coach added.
