Yashasvi Jaiswal is just 23 years old but has already seen plenty of success. While fame can easily get to one’s head at a young age, for Yashasvi, success has never been a destination - only a checkpoint on a much bigger journey.
The left-handed opener, who represents Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, offered a glimpse into the mental ritual that keeps him grounded and driven, even after a young career filled with record-breaking milestones.
Speaking on the podcast Figuring Out with Raj Shamani, Yashasvi - who was named in Time magazine’s list of the World’s Most Influential Rising Stars last week - shared how a simple self-reflection practice helps him stay balanced.
“I speak to myself for 10-15 minutes, and it helps me a lot,” he revealed. “Whenever I perform well, I don’t miss a chance to applaud myself - and then prepare to move forward.”
It’s a small but powerful ritual that anchors his mindset - a mix of self-awareness, discipline, and hunger for growth. The 23-year-old cricketer also opened up about balancing his trademark intensity with composure.
“I have aggression, but at that time, I consider what’s important for my team,” he said. “Aggression is very important for me, but you shouldn’t show it. There’s a slight difference between confidence and overconfidence.”
For Yashasvi, focus is everything and when asked about the toughest bowlers he’s faced, the 23-year-old dealt with the question with characteristic calm.
“I don’t feel like there are any (tough bowlers). I don’t think about it at all,” he said. “I only focus on facing the next ball coming towards me.”
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That ‘next-ball’ mindset has become the cornerstone of his cricketing identity - a fearless philosophy that’s carried him from the maidans of Mumbai to the biggest stages of world cricket.
Yashasvi’s rise has been extraordinary. From living in a tent at Azad Maidan and doing odd jobs to survive, to becoming one of India’s most consistent performers, his story embodies resilience and relentless ambition.
In 2024, he set a new record for the most Test runs by an Indian opener in a calendar year, earning a spot in the ICC Men's Test Team of the Year.
He was also part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad and remains a key figure in the Royals’ top order, having scored over 2100 IPL runs - including a 625-run season in 2023 and the fastest fifty in IPL history off just 13 balls.
The world has taken notice too. Apart from featuring in Time magazine, he was ranked No. 1 on Wisden Cricket Monthly’s list of the 40 Best Young Players in the World in August.
