Keeping things simple worked for India u-19 cricketer Yashbardhan

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Yashbardhan helped India recover in the first match against Australia u-19. | Photo Credit: Saurashtra Cricket Association

Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan had been searching for answers after the Sri Lanka tour. Runs had dried up in youth ODIs, even as India kept winning.

After the assignment, he turned to coach Yere Goud and asked: “Why is this happening to me?” Goud told him that failure was part of the game and advised the youngster to ignore the noise and keep believing.

On Friday, Yashbardhan showed what he had learnt. With India u-19 precariously placed at 88 for four, he scored 54 off 34 balls before returning to take two wickets and guide the host past Australia u-19. “I only thought about what I could do at that particular time to support the team,” Yashbardhan told The Hindu , adding: “I simply wanted to spend some time at the crease and support the team from one end.”

With Anvay Dravid, he helped India recover. The innings showed how far he has come since his early days in Gwalior. His father, Anami Singh Chauhan, would travel with him looking for turf wickets.

In the u-13 A.W. Kanmadikar Trophy, Yashbardhan had scored 425, 235 and 391. By 15, he was playing senior division cricket after Chambal Division secretary Tasleem Khan handed him opportunities.

“Coming from Chambal and playing senior cricket gave me an exposure,” he said. “It helped me understand how things work at the senior level.”

His father had wanted to play at the highest level but could not. “One of the biggest reasons I play cricket is to fulfil my father’s dream,” Yashbardhan said.

The 17-year-old keeps his preparation simple. “I do not do anything like rocket science. I just get into my zone.” He reads biographies, writes down thoughts and learns from cricketers he watches.

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