How Sachin Tendulkar’s advice helped Yashasvi Jaiswal blossom into a fine cricketer?

Indian batting prodigy Yashasvi Jaiswal’s quintessential ‘rags to riches’ tale has been an inspiration for many. Jaiswal, who was once a pani puri seller, is now a millionaire courtesy his latest Indian Premier League (IPL) contract with Rajasthan Royals. He was one of the most sought-after young players at the recently concluded IPL 2020 auction which took place in Kolkata.

The teenager, who is currently in South Africa for India’s U19 World Cup campaign, was successfully bid for by the Royals for a hefty sum of ₹2.40 crore for the IPL 2020. Jaiswal came to prominence after a string of brilliant performances in the recently-concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy. His knock of 203 off 154 balls which included 17 fours and 12 sixes made him the youngest List-A double-centurion in the history of cricket.

The youngster recalled watching old videos of Sachin Tendulkar’s batting to improve his game from time to time. He also fondly remembers Tendulkar advising him on preparing for a big match. Jaiswal admitted that he has met Tendulkar a number of times and that his presence itself is enough to motivate an individual. The youngster calls him an ‘inspiration’ and added that he has learnt a lot from him.

Sachin sir gave me valuable advice: Yashasvi Jaiswal

Tendulkar counselled him to live in the present and forget his outings in the last game, whether he scored a hundred or a duck, and move on. Jaiswal concluded by saying that the batting legend’s golden words of ‘living in the present helps in improving your game the most’ will be always be etched in his memory. For Jaiswal, Wasim Jaffer and Master Blaster are his idols.

“He (Wasim Jaffer) and Sachin sir are my idols. Wasim sir keeps telling me how to build an innings. Since he’s played in South Africa, he gave me tips on how to tackle the pace and bounce on the quick wickets here. Sachin sir gave me valuable advice, saying, ‘Every bowler will give you a clue about what he’s going to bowl next. You’ve to concentrate and catch that clue,'” said Jaiswal to TOI.

The living legend’s words of advice seem to be doing wonders as the youngster Jaiswal is making all the right noises in the ongoing Under-19 World Cup where India take on Bangladesh in the finals looking to defend their title.