Yashasvi Jaiswal's Potential Was Evident from the Start: Childhood Coach Arif Hussain Recalls Unearthing A Diamond In Bhadohi

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Kanpur, Oct 1: Senior India cricketer R Ashwin dubbed young batters Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill as the future pillars of Indian batting after Team India's emphatic Test series win over Bangladesh on Tuesday (October 1).

Jaiswal, the rising star of Indian cricket, was on song in both the innings of the Kanpur Test which Rohit Sharma and his band thrashed Bangladesh by 7 wickets, in a game that didn't even last 180 overs.

With his eighth fifty-plus score in 2024, the left-handed batter surpassed legendary Sunil Gavaskar to score the most fifties in a year in India. The 22-year-old opening batter's performance has once captured hearts and the future of Indian cricket looks bright under talents like him.

While his journey with Jwala Singh in Mumbai's Azad Maidan is well-documented, the lesser-known story is the foundation laid long before his Mumbai chapter, by his first coach, Arif Hussain in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh.

In an exclusive interview with MyKhel, Hussain shed light on the early years of Jaiswal's life, the challenges he faced, and the unwavering belief that transformed a young boy into a cricket sensation.

The Early Days: Unearthing Talent in Bhadohi

Bhadohi, a small town in Uttar Pradesh, is not known for its cricket infrastructure. In 1996, when Arif Hussain, a passionate cricketer, founded his cricket academy, he saw many talented children who lacked the resources to pursue the sport.

Hussain recalled, "There were many children who were better than me, but without proper facilities, their talent was going to waste. I decided to change that." The academy started from humble beginnings-Hussain sold trees from his property to buy nets and equipment. Over the years, he toiled to provide opportunities for young cricketers in the area.

In 2007, a young boy named Yashasvi Jaiswal entered Hussain's academy. "He was different," Hussain remembers. "Even at that young age, he had an exceptional ability to play shots and a rare fearlessness at the crease. We knew we had something special."

Jaiswal's leg-spin bowling and lower-order batting quickly caught the attention of his coach and peers. Although lacking the power to clear boundaries at that stage, his timing and technique were already impressive.

Challenges and Setbacks: The Journey to Mumbai

Despite Jaiswal's evident talent, opportunities in Uttar Pradesh cricket were scarce. Hussain guided him through several trials, including the prestigious Under-14 trials at Green Park, Kanpur. Jaiswal made it to the final round in 2010 but was ultimately not selected. This setback prompted a life-altering decision.

"We realized that to give him a real chance, we needed to move him to Mumbai," Hussain says. Mumbai, with its rich cricketing tradition, offered a platform where talent could thrive. Despite the financial burden, Jaiswal's family supported the decision, and Hussain coordinated his move to Mumbai.

The shift to Mumbai was far from smooth. Jaiswal initially lived with relatives and even slept in a tent at the iconic Azad Maidan. But through sheer determination and the guidance of Jwala Singh, his career started gaining momentum.

Struggles of a Young Dreamer

While in Mumbai, Jaiswal faced immense hardships. Living away from home, dealing with financial struggles, and playing in a city teeming with talent would have broken the spirit of many. But not Jaiswal. Hussain recounts how Jaiswal expressed frustration early on, saying, "There's too much competition here, it's overwhelming."

To this, Hussain responded with profound wisdom, likening the crowded field of cricketers to fog. "If you stay focused and push through the fog, you will shine." This advice stuck with Jaiswal, who persevered and found his place amidst the hustle of Mumbai cricket.

The Turning Point: Becoming a Force in Mumbai

The cricketing foundation laid in Bhadohi helped Jaiswal adapt to the pressure cooker environment of Mumbai cricket. His fearless batting and hunger for success soon made him a standout in school cricket. Hussain proudly shares, "By the time Yashasvi was playing Under-16, he was already scoring heavily. His work ethic was unmatched."

In 2014, Jaiswal's hard work began to pay off. His scores in school and club cricket started attracting attention. Hussain, ever the mentor, was confident that his ward was on the verge of a breakthrough. "When I showed him to others, I told them, 'This boy is special. He just needs a platform.'"

A Diamond Polished in Bhadohi, Shining on the World Stage

Yashasvi Jaiswal's journey from Bhadohi to Mumbai, and now the international cricket stage, is a story of immense perseverance, belief, and hard work. As his childhood coach, Arif Hussain, puts it, "Cricket is not just about talent. It's about the opportunities and support that one receives. In our country, talent is abundant, but getting the right break is crucial. Yashasvi got that break in Mumbai, but the foundation was laid long before that in Bhadohi."

Hussain continues to work tirelessly to nurture future stars in Bhadohi, and his academy, which once started with borrowed nets, now stands as a beacon of hope for young cricketers in the region. He dreams that many more children from Purvanchal will follow in Jaiswal's footsteps and make their mark on Indian cricket.

As Jaiswal continues to rise, his journey reminds us that diamonds, no matter where they are from, need the right vision and care to shine on the world stage. And for Yashasvi Jaiswal, the visionary who first saw his potential was Arif Hussain-his first jeweller in the rough.