From a modest hamlet called Suriya in Uttar Pradesh to the bustling skyline of Mumbai, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s story is straight out of a modern-day cricketing folklore. Like several star cricketers of this generation who have packed their dreams and left their hometown in search of opportunity, Yashasvi too embarked on that uncertain journey at the tender age of 10.

The youngest of four siblings, he grew up in a humble household. With nothing but raw talent and unshakeable belief, he moved to Mumbai alone, living in makeshift tents near cricket grounds and often struggling for basics like food and shelter. Cricket wasn’t just his dream — it was his survival plan. Fifteen years later, he is a household name across India.

News Arena India spoke to his childhood coach and guardian figure, Jwala Singh, the man who first spotted him, took him under his wing and eventually into his own home. Today, as Yashasvi scales milestone after milestone, Jwala Singh beams with pride, calling him nothing less than a son.

Just like many cricketing greats before him, who left their native town but forever carried it in their hearts, Yashasvi too has now made Mumbai his permanent base. His new address? Dosti Acres in Antop Hill, a far cry from the tents he once slept in. After his seventh international century and entry into the elite 3,000-run club, his coach shared his thoughts, “It’s a wonderful feeling, but this is only the beginning. In 15 years of cricket, he has shown that this is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s much more to come.”

Jwala Singh rated Yashasvi’s 161 against Australia in Perth as his best knock. “He was going through a rough phase, people were doubting him, but he answered them in style in the match at Perth.”

On joining the league of legends like Sunil Gavaskar, the coach said, “There’s no bigger honour. Every youngster dreams of sharing space with such names, and Yashasvi is now one among them. When someone works this hard, records naturally fall into place, and with Yashasvi, you’ll keep hearing about them. He is just getting started. His journey is long, and I know he will go far.”

Speaking about Yashasvi’s ODI form, “He’s played just one ODI so far. Now that he has been selected for the Australia tour, he’ll approach it with the same hunger.”

Also read: Jaiswal puts India in driver’s seat against clueless Windies