Team India is all set to participate in the ongoing 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, as they take on Nepal in the quarter final fixture on Tuesday. Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead a young Indian side that features an exciting line-up of upcoming players including Royals' batter Yashasvi Jaiswal.

 

 

Ahead of his departure for the Asian Games, the 21-year-old was seen working on his batting at a training camp organised by the Royals under the guidance of the coaches. We caught up with the Yashasvi on the sidelines to get a sneak peek into his preparation for the upcoming tournament. 

"It's a proud moment to represent my country at the Asian Games. I am looking forward to go out there and express myself with the team.  I've been preparing quite well since my time here at the camp, being able to come here and learn new skills and work on my shots."

The Royals batter also walked down memory lane, recalling the time he first heard the news of his India call-up and shared his experience of playing with the senior Indian team. Yashasvi was called up as a reserve player for the WTC final but it wasn't until the West Indies series that he donned the India whites, a moment his family, friends, coaches and himself will always hold dear to their hearts.

"I was nervous, but I wanted to be nervous because I care. It's good that I always have butterflies in my stomach whenever I go out to bat. It's an amazing feeling to bat under pressure. I have been playing with Ash Bhai (R Ashwin), so it's always helpful to be around him and other players I've played with before, listen to them as they share their experiences. It helps me learn."

Always the first one in the nets, always the last one to leave - Jaiswal's philosophy has been simple. To focus on the present and to ensure consistency in his hard work. At the camp, one could see him repeatedly working on a particular shot till he gets it right. 

"I am working with Zubin (Bharucha) sir here and we're making sure the consistency and flow is there, and that I should improve by 1% every day."

 

Jaiswal's simplistic mantra has reflected in the way he has performed on the field. He has had a phenomenal run in 2023 so far, having finished the IPL season with a career-best tally of 625 runs and a maiden IPL century. He then announced himself on the grand stage, racking up his first international century on his Test debut during India's tour of the West Indies. Yashasvi also went on to make his T20I debut against the same opponent, followed by a series agfainst Ireland that saw him notching up his maiden T20I fifty. Jaiswal's attacking approach coupled with his flair for the big shots and his batting laurels earned him a coveted spot in the Indian squad for the Asian Games.

But he isn't someone who thinks too far ahead. One game at a time the YBJ way.