Yashasvi Jaiswal credits Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid for his composure in the electrified U19 World Cup 2020 final

Indian cricket had an era of glory when the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and VVS Laxman ruled the 22 yards. These players were not only known for their cricketing skills but also the approach with which they had approached the game.

There were hardly any instances when these legends in their own right were found bumping into the opponents on the ground. Cricket’s ‘gentlemen’s game’ tag was in safe hands when these players represented the country.

The legacy of their greatness was carried on the 22 yards at least by one of their successors in the tainted final of the Under-19 World Cup which was played in Potchefstroom in South Africa earlier this month. Five cricketers from the Indian and Bangladeshi side got involved in a fracas post the match which Bangladesh colts won by three wickets to lift their country’s first World Cup title at any level.

Even India’s star bowler of the tournament Ravi Bishnoi was found among the culprits who were sanctioned by the International Cricket Council. But Yashasvi Jaiswal, the man of the series, managed to overlook it despite the temptations.

When the 18-year-old was asked how he succeeded in looking in another direction when the Bangladeshi players sledged Indian batters and during the clash between some of his teammates (Akash Singh besides Bishnoi) with their Bangladeshi counterparts, he credited Tendulkar and Dravid.

‘Tendulkar, Dravid asked to talk with bat, not mouth’: Yashasvi Jaiswal

“That was because of Dravid (Rahul Dravid) sir and Sachin sir (Sachin Tendulkar). They always told me one thing – ‘talk with your bat not with your mouth’. So, I always keep that advice on top of my list. And that’s why I stayed calm and didn’t respond to any of the sledge (in the final against Bangladesh). That’s I was smiling. I wanted to bat for long and put as many runs on the board. This was the only thing going in my mind at that point of time,” Yashasvi said as quoted by the Times of India.

Yashasvi made a hard-fought 88 in the final and his dismissal triggered an incredible collapse of the Indian innings as it folded for only 177 from being 3 for 156. He ended up as the highest scorer in the tournament with a tally of 400 runs. He also hit an unbeaten century in the semi-final against Pakistan.

On the issue of sanctioning the five players from both sides, Geoff Allardice, General Manager, Cricket, ICC, said– “The elation and disappointment experienced by some players after the game spilled over into unedifying scenes that have no place in our sport.”

“Respect is at the very heart of the spirit of cricket, and players are expected to show self-discipline, congratulate the opposition on their successes and enjoy the success of their own team.”

“It is disappointing that Code of Conduct charges needed to be laid after such a closely contested match, but it is important to reinforce the standard of behaviour that will be expected of these young players should they transition to senior international cricket.”

Watch: Irfan Pathan’s interview post his retirement