New Delhi:
It’s not every day that one gets to feel the Perth breeze hit them as one removes the helmet in celebration of a century a against Australia. For Jaiswal, the dream became a reality, and the Indian opener expounded on how his past struggles also ensure that he savors the present and plans ahead for the future.
After a disappointing duck in the first innings of the first Test in Perth, Jaiswal came back with a vengeance as he put up a sensational 161-run outing, to power India to a mammoth total along with the aid of a scintillating 81st century from Virat Kohli as well.
But, the road to glory at Perth wasn’t built in a day. In fact, it was a long winding one that began all the way back when the Indian opener moved to Mumbai from Uttar Pradesh’s Bhadohi at age 11 to train at Azad Maidan.Â
Also Read: BJP, Firm on Devendra Fadnavis’ name, Says no to Bihar Model
Jaiswal’s Tough Journey to Glory
Jaiswal went through immense growing pains to keep his dream of representing India at the biggest stage alive as he lived in tents with the groundsmen and sold paani puri at night to make end meet.
“It’s something (his backstory) that always gives me confidence that I can come out of any situation. I always fight, I always look to fight, I want to be in the battle, I want to enjoy the battle and I want to win the battle,” Jaiswal said during a chat with Australian television broadcaster Mark Howard.
“So this is what it gives me and I am really blessed that I have this life, that can give me a lot of confidence, learnings about myself, how I can believe in me, and how I can go through with different emotions, different situation in my life. “So I think it’s just incredible and I really want to thank god for where I am and what I am doing, and I am doing what I love, so I am just happy at the moment. I want to enjoy this with every ball.”
India’s Blistering Batting Display
India’s openers Jaiswal and Rahul both made the best use of the opportunity as the duo went on a rampage, post a mammoth 201-run partnership, the first-ever 200+ run stand posted by Indian openers against Australia.
With the aid of skipper Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, India bowled out the hosts, who were chasing a mammoth total of 534, with ease for 238 runs, to seal India’s second-biggest win margin against Australia in Tests and take the 1-0 lead in the series.
The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will take place from December 6 onwards at the Adelaide Oval.
