From Selling Panipuri to Scoring Double Centuries: The Remarkable Journey of India’s Youngest Opener

Yashasvi Jaiswal, 22, achieved a significant feat by becoming the fourth Indian left-handed batsman to score a double century in Test cricket. He scored 200 runs in 277 deliveries, including 18 fours and 7 sixes, on Day 2 of the India-England Test in Visakhapatnam, marking the first double century by an Indian batter since November 2019.

Jaiswal’s journey began at the age of 12 when he left rural Uttar Pradesh for Mumbai to pursue cricket. Despite facing challenges, he caught the attention of local coach Jwala Singh at Azad Maidan, who became his mentor.

His talent was on full display during the Vijay Hazare Trophy in October 2019, followed by a crucial role in India’s Under-19 World Cup campaign in South Africa, which led to a significant IPL contract with the Rajasthan Royals.

Jaiswal’s hard work and dedication paid off as he transitioned to higher levels, earning three consecutive hundreds in the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy season and setting a new record for the fastest fifty in the 2023 IPL.