I have to keep things simple and maintain discipline, says elated Jaiswal

Mumbai: For Yashasvi Jaiswal, who got his maiden call-up in the India Test side on Friday when the BCCI announced the squad for the upcoming two-Test series in the West Indies, it was the culmination of a journey he had embarked on almost a decade ago.

Having left his home in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, spending early teenage years at a tent at the Azad Maidan here and doing hard yards in Maximum City under his coach Jwala Singh, an India cap wasn’t everything for the 21-year-old batting prodigy, but the only thing he aspired for.

It was never about how he would get there but when. On Friday afternoon the news came, and there was pure joy and elation in equal measure for the stylish southpaw.

The young batter told PTI in an exclusive interview that he was both nervous and excited over the possibility of his call-up to the India Test side, a dream that turned into reality after putting in splendid performances across formats in domestic cricket as well as in the IPL.

“My father started crying (when he got to know),” said Jaiswal, adding that he would head to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore perhaps in a couple of days to prepare for the West Indies tour.

Having retur ned recently to his home here, Jaiswal revealed he had a busy day on Friday, as he was out for a training session followed by a shoot -- which is when he got to learn about his India selection.

The 21-year-old Jaiswal, who lit up the IPL this year with sensational batting that followed dominating performances with the red ball in the domestic circuit, received his maiden call-up to the Indian Test team on Friday.

Jaiswal was among the reserve players for the World Test Championship final earlier this month and a call-up for the West Indies tour for two Tests was inevitable after proving himself across formats. “I am feeling good, I will try to do my best,” Jaiswal said. (PTI)