Emerging Indian cricket star Yashasvi Jaiswal has named Shubman Gill as the most hardworking player in the Indian team. This revelation veers away from the expected response of Virat Kohli, who is widely recognised for his intense fitness regimes and dedication to the sport.
Jaiswal's rise to prominence has been built on a foundation of immense hard work and perseverance. From humble beginnings, including selling pani puri to make ends meet, Jaiswal has battled his way into the national team through sheer determination. His journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the sport, making his assessment of his teammates particularly insightful.
While Jaiswal hasn't explicitly detailed the reasons behind his choice, it's likely based on observing Gill's dedication both on and off the field. Gill, already an established name in Indian cricket, has consistently showcased his commitment to improving his game.
Jaiswal's own work ethic is well-documented. At a young age, he moved to Mumbai from a village in Uttar Pradesh to pursue his cricketing dream. He faced numerous hardships, living in a tent and working odd jobs to support himself. Despite these challenges, Jaiswal remained focused on his goal, honing his skills and working tirelessly to climb the ranks. This dedication saw him represent India at the U-19 level and eventually earn an IPL contract with Rajasthan Royals.
His breakthrough came in the 2023 IPL season, where he amassed 625 runs at an impressive strike rate. This performance paved the way for his inclusion in the senior Indian team. Since then, Jaiswal has made a mark in Test cricket, including a memorable innings of 171 runs on debut against the West Indies. He followed this up with two double centuries against England earlier in the year. In a recent Test match in Perth against Australia, he scored a brilliant 161 in the second innings.
Jaiswal emphasizes the importance of discipline and controlling temptations, which are important when you are a teenager. He also focuses on his daily routine. He gives credit to Zubin Bharucha and Rajasthan Royals for providing a platform where he can practice and improve his game. He also appreciates the guidance he receives from Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, which has helped him to understand game situations and play his shots.
In his fourth ODI, Jaiswal scored an unbeaten 116 runs against South Africa, demonstrating his potential in white-ball cricket. Coach Gautam Gambhir has praised Jaiswal's potential and emphasized the need to keep young players motivated. Jaiswal credits his batting partners, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, for their guidance.
Jaiswal's perspective offers a fresh insight into the Indian team's dynamics, highlighting the often-unseen efforts that contribute to the team's success. While Kohli's dedication is undeniable, Jaiswal's acknowledgement of Gill's hard work underscores the commitment and effort present throughout the squad.
