Yashasvi Jaiswal at Idea Exchange: ‘I would see Wankhede floodlights and wish that I would play there one day’

In this Idea Exchange, batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal speaks on making his debut in the Indian team, keeping his focus, taking pride in his past, and the dream of starting a foundation for young players from Bhadohi. The session was moderated Senior Assant Editor Devendra Pandey.Yes, I’ve had a great domestic season but there’s a lot more I want to achieve. I’ve worked quite hard and more importantly, I’ve enjoyed all the games I’ve played.

Devendra Pandey: When you were younger, matches used to be screened at Mumbai’s Press Club near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. As a cricket buff, you used to climb on trees to watch the games. Can you tell us about that experience?
Anything to watch the match! At night, my roommate and I would try and watch the games. It was really a fun time for both of us. Now that I play, I put all my efforts into playing. I could also see the Wankhede floodlights. And I would always wish that God willing, I would play there one day. That thought was always there. When I actually played there and especially when I scored a century there, those memories of my childhood came back to me. It motivated me to do even better.
I didn’t think that far ahead whether I would play at Wankhede (laughs). I just kept on working, knowing that one day I would reach there.

Venkata Krishna B: How was it for you, growing up in the era of IPL, to have the hunger of scoring even in red ball cricket. And how is it for youngsters starting now to adapt to all three formats?
For me, it’s very important, because I was always playing with the red ball. I really enjoyed it. Mumbai cricket has that legacy that wherever you are playing, even if it is school cricket or club cricket, there are games that go on for three, four or five days. You hear people are scoring more runs in those games. When I played school cricket, I used to think that whenever I get set, I’d try to go for a big score because that was inculcated in me from Mumbai cricket. I’d always say to myself that if I’m set, make sure that I’m making it big and taking responsibility for the team. That’s why we enjoy red ball cricket a lot. Playing the longer format helps me improve my mental toughness which is really important because you are going to be tested in different situations against different bowlers. It’s a lot of fun. Overall, I try to focus more on cricketing shots. It doesn’t matter which format I’m playing. What matters is which shot I’m playing and how I’m playing it. The only think on my mind is how I’m building my innings.
Yashasvi Jaiswal at his rented apartment in Santacruz. (Express Photo Devendra Pandey)
Sriram Veera: We’ve heard you are a fan of Hollywood actor Kate Winslet. When did you first watch her movie? Also, we have heard you sing the famous Titanic (1997) song… Do you sing before games?
I watched the movie long ago. I don’t remember. I just like her acting and that’s all. There’s a line in the song: Every night in my dreams. I think about that line when I want to achieve something. I just like lening to that line and that song. That’s about it.
I try to focus on my cricketing shots. It doesn’t matter which format I’m playing. What matters is which shot I’m playing and how I’m playing it. What’s on my mind is how I’m building my innings
Sriram Veera: Do you have any favourite Bollywood songs?
Aashayein from the movie Iqbal (2005). When I was a kid, I often watched Iqbal. I love that movie; it’s a motivational movie for me. The lesson this movie gives is that nothing is impossible if you trust your abilities.
Rajasthan Royals Yashasvi Jaiswal plays a shot against Kolkata Knight Riders during the IPL match at Eden Garden, Kolkata. (Express Photo Partha Paul)
Sriram Veera: When you would spot a lit-up Wankhede Stadium from your Maidan tent, did you ever dream you would play there one day?
I never thought like that. I was very young then. But deep down, I knew that I have to play. I am still the same, in my mind I know that I like cricket, I love this game, and I want to play it. That’s it. I didn’t know when or where my dreams will come true, but I must keep going on. In a true sense, no one knows, so there is no point pondering over it. I will keep trying. I never thought I would score a 13-ball 50 someday, but I did it.

There are a few things that have happened in my cricketing career that I never thought would happen, but I always followed the process. I kept practising, I was consent. I stayed disciplined about my diet, fitness and sleeping patterns.
My past gives me the courage to face failures and difficulties… I am not ashamed (to talk) about my journey… I feel someone may get inspired and my words may mean something to him
I think family is also very important, and I need to take care of them, and provide them with a better life. I am not bothered about the results. I don’t get disappointed if I fail, but, at the same time, I don’t get carried away with success. I think it’s a long process, and I will have to keep learning over and over. My parents also say the same thing. They keep reminding me that there is still lot to do.

Sriram Veera: Last year, Rahul Dravid said that he is worried about the money the teenagers are getting from the IPL and they must handle it properly. How are you managing your finances?
To date, I have managed myself really well. First, I trust my decisions. Secondly, I try and spend on things necessary for me. For example, I need a good diet, a good home for the family. I won’t say that I don’t spend much, I do, but not on anything unnecessary. The primary thing for me is cricket; that’s my focus. I think in this matter, I have received a lot support from Rajasthan Royals. They manage me financially, the franchise guides me on how I should invest my money. They take care of my finances so that I can focus on my cricket. I am really grateful and have immense respect for all the franchises which are doing this for their players.
It also depends on person to person (relations). I have been playing for the last three-four years of IPL cricket. I have seen things, I know the dos and don’ts. I am also experienced now, and I try to make fewer makes and just want to focus on my game.

Sriram Veera: Any two expenses, one that you did for your family and, the second, for yourself from the IPL money?
I had only one thing in my mind, I wanted to buy a house in Mumbai. I have lived in so many places in Mumbai. I always wanted to have a house where I could go live with my parents and siblings. I spend on basic things; I don’t have any big desires. I want to keep my future safe and focus on the game.
Sandeep Dwivedi: Everyone knows your backstory. There are those who want to forget their past, they feel ashamed. You tell your story with such pride…
Because I have lived those moments, my past gives me the courage to face failures and difficulties. I can’t wipe out all the memories. And, why should I not talk about my past? If someone asks me about my story, I tell them; if they don’t, I stay quiet. But I am not ashamed of my journey, and I never felt like I shouldn’t talk about it. I feel someone who is like me (may) get inspired my journey and my words may mean something to him.
For example, when people would come and tell me that ‘you will do it’, it used to give me confidence. You never know. Someone else can also get that motivation. Sometimes, there are things that get stuck in your mind. When I was young, if any senior players would come and speak to me, I would len to them very carefully. Their advice has helped me a lot. I always try to pass it on to the juniors and try to motivate them, and help them, if they want to learn something from me. If I could give them that one word which will inspire them to excel, it would be a win for me.
Yashasvi Jaiswal at his home. (Express Photo Devendra Pandey)
Sandeep Dwivedi: You must have heard it many times being said about players, ‘he could be Sachin, but he ended up being a Kambli.’ Is it at the back of your mind that you don’t want to get on a road where you won’t be able to justify your talent?
I only think about what I should do. I don’t think much about other things. If there are few things that would enhance my cricket, then I would do it. I respect the game, and I feel blessed that I am doing something which I have always dreamt of. And if I am able to entertain and spread happiness with my skills, that’s great.
If someone says ‘Wow, Yashasvi, what a shot you have played’, ‘what a catch you have taken’ or ‘what a run-out you pulled off’, that’s a blessing for me. I want to stay humble and enjoy my game. I respect what God has given me and want to take it forward peacefully.
Sandeep Dwivedi: For someone so young, you sound so mature. What do you do to lower your intensity and how do you spend your time to just balance things?
I talk to myself a lot when I’m alone. Most of the time I stay alone and I don’t take things easy. Because whatever I say to myself and whatever I do, they are very important for my life, as well as for my family. So, I try to be honest with myself and even if I am wrong, I will admit it. I have to learn from these makes and move forward. If I do a good job, I tell myself “Yes, you have done good but you have to improve on this as well.” So, I think whenever I keep doing this, I am in a positive zone.
Everyone knows that cricket is a game of highs and lows. I talk to the senior players in the team and learn how to stay stable. Because everyone is going through something or the other. Everyone has their shares of ups and downs.
Sandeep Dwivedi: (Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar) Sangakkara has asked you to smile and laugh more often. Are you doing it?
Whenever a situation demands, I do laugh and laugh openly.
Nihal Koshie: We have seen a lot of players who have played for India U-19s, lose focus and motivation or their career is hampered injuries. There are also a number of players who are satisfied only playing the IPL. Is it pretty difficult not to get carried away the glitz and fame that the IPL provides?
See, it’s very easy to get carried away. That can happen at any level. You can even play U-16 and think that there is nothing more to achieve. It can happen if you play U-19 and Ranji as well. That varies from person to person.
It depends on the mindset of that person. It’s easy to lose yourself but I don’t feel like that till date. I know I have worked hard and I know that every run I make is a result of that hard work. I don’t want that to go to waste. I want to try as much as I can. After that if it still does not materialise, then it’s fine. I’ll still keep trying hard.
But it shouldn’t be that I am not putting in the required effort and then say that I can’t score runs. I don’t want that. I’ll work hard and even then, if I can’t get runs, it’s fine. But if I am not putting in the hard graft and still think I will score runs, that’s not done. This is what I feel and I can’t say for others.
Nihal Koshie: I heard in an earlier interview that you don’t have any friends outside the cricket circle. Has that changed?
I don’t stay in one place for long. Since I’m travelling most of the time, I don’t get to meet my friends as often as I’d like. I don’t have much free time. I stay at home with my parents, then go for practice and come back, then go to the gym and then I need time to recover and rest. When I am with the team, I go out when everyone does. There’s the team environment and we talk about each other and about particular players. But, yeah, I don’t get much time.
Nihal Koshie: Do you think back to old days and reminisce about what could have been if it was a bit easier?
No. I think I am very fortunate to be here. Everyone does not have the same fate. Those were good times in my life and they have provided me with the required experience. Those memories are always with me and when I am down, they really help me cope. I think those things were necessary and were meant to happen.
Pratyush Raj: You’ve spoken of how tricky your journey was. Going ahead, would Yashasvi Jaiswal want to do something for the next crop of cricketers from Bhadohi, so they don’t have to leap over the same hurdles as you have?
Yes, I have plans for a foundation which could support kids like me, who train hard and want to play the sport. The foundation will help youngsters and provide a platform for them.
The idea is to open a foundation in a few years when I am stable. A lot of times youngsters might have the talent, but they don’t know how to go about building their career, there’s no guidance about where to play, how to train, how to take care of their bodies. I was lucky that I got Mumbai Cricket Association which educated me on how to develop my game, my skills and my fitness.
I was lucky that I went to National Cricket Academy, which is run the BCCI. You must have seen how they develop cricketers, in terms of educating them about diet, training, their bodies and the sport. I’ll try my best to open a foundation.
Sandeep Dwivedi: It’s very refreshing that a young player such as yourself still aspires to play Test cricket for the country. As a junior did you find yourself closing your eyes and imagining what it must be to turn out for the Indian team in whites?
Of course, I do think about when I will make my debut for the Indian team. And how I will manage to play when I do (make my debut). These thoughts are very normal. How do I say what things I imagine? There are a lot of things. I keep those dreams to myself.
Devendra Pandey: Have you recently spoken to MS Dhoni? There was a viral photo of you with Dhoni.
It was a great moment in my life. It was the first time I had seen Dhoni up close. I tried in the middle of games to have a conversation with him. He told me to keep playing cricketing shots and keep faith in myself and to keep my mind at peace. These are simple things but they are very difficult to do in real life. You need a lot of patience.