In a heartwarming moment that reaffirmed cricket’s power to inspire beyond boundaries, Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal gifted his signed bat to a visually impaired child, Ravi, who has been his ardent fan since his Under-19 days. The emotional encounter unfolded after India’s training session ahead of the upcoming Test against England, leaving players, support staff, and fans deeply moved.
Who is Ravi, Jaiswal’s young fan?
Ravi, aged 12, is a visually impaired cricket enthusiast from Varanasi who follows the sport through live radio commentary and match analysis apps for visually challenged users. Despite his disability, he knows every statistic of his favourite player Yashasvi Jaiswal, from his Ranji Trophy debut score to his recent double century against England.
According to his father, Ravi spends hours each day listening to Hindi and English commentaries, memorising players’ averages and milestones.
How did the meeting happen?
The meeting was facilitated by a local NGO working for visually impaired children. Upon learning that Ravi’s only wish was to hear Yashasvi Jaiswal’s voice live, the NGO contacted BCCI’s community outreach team during India’s training camp in Vizag. The BCCI swiftly arranged a visit for Ravi and his parents to the stadium.
Jaiswal’s reaction to meeting Ravi
Witnesses revealed that when Ravi was introduced, Jaiswal immediately recognised him from a social media post shared by the NGO earlier this year. He walked up to the boy, held his hands, and said:
“Thank you, Ravi. You give me strength. Always keep smiling and dreaming big.”
The child smiled broadly upon hearing Jaiswal’s voice, exclaiming, “Bhaiya, aapka double century suna tha maine, bohot acha laga (Brother, I heard your double century, I liked it a lot).”
The signed bat gift
Jaiswal then asked a support staff member to bring one of his practice bats, signed it with a black marker, and gently handed it to Ravi, saying:
“This is for you. I know you cannot see it, but you can touch it and feel it. This is the bat that helped me score many runs.”
Ravi hugged the bat tightly, tears welling up as his father wiped his eyes while thanking Jaiswal repeatedly.
The emotional impact on players and staff
According to team sources, several players, including Shubman Gill, R Ashwin, and Mohammed Siraj, stood silently watching the interaction with moist eyes. One support staff member said:
“Moments like these remind us why cricket is more than just a game. It gives hope to millions.”
Social media erupts with love for Jaiswal
Once the BCCI media team shared a short video of the encounter, fans flooded social media with praise and emotional reactions.
Trending hashtags: #YashasviJaiswal #HeartOfGold #CricketForAll
Sample fan tweets:
- “This is the real Yashasvi Jaiswal – humble, grounded, human first, cricketer second.”
- “His struggles have made him value every emotion. A true inspiration.”
- “Tears in my eyes seeing Ravi’s happiness. Cricket unites us like nothing else.”
Jaiswal’s journey makes his gesture more special
Having sold street food as a teenager in Mumbai to survive, Jaiswal knows what it feels like to dream against all odds. His rise from living in tents near Azad Maidan to scoring Test double centuries for India is etched in cricketing folklore.
| Phase | Challenges faced | Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Childhood in UP | Limited resources, left home at 10 | Joined Azad Maidan tent academy |
| Teenage years | Sold pani puri to survive | Selected for Mumbai U-16 and U-19 |
| Domestic debut | Pressure to perform amid financial struggles | Scored record-breaking 203 in Vijay Hazare Trophy |
| International career | Intense competition for opener slot | Scored 209 vs England in second Test |
This background makes his humility and connection with fans like Ravi even more meaningful.
NGO’s reaction
The NGO’s director, Neha Sharma, shared:
“We have organised meetings with public figures before, but no one has made a child feel so special like Yashasvi did today. He treated Ravi like his own little brother.”
She further revealed that Jaiswal has promised to sponsor cricket kits for visually impaired children participating in their upcoming national T20 blind cricket championship.
The bat as a symbol of dreams
While Ravi may never see the bat, he will hold it as a symbol of hope and dreams achieved through resilience. His father shared:
“He keeps saying now that he wants to become a cricket commentator for blind radio. Meeting Jaiswal has given him confidence to study harder.”
Experts laud Jaiswal’s off-field maturity
Former India coach Ravi Shastri:
“Yashasvi is a special talent, but what makes him a greater person is his humility. Today’s gesture shows his upbringing and gratitude.”
Harsha Bhogle:
“We often talk about heroes scoring runs and wickets. Here is a hero who won hearts without playing a ball.”
Table: Indian cricketers known for memorable fan gestures
| Cricketer | Gesture | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | Gifted gloves to a young cancer survivor | Fulfilled child’s final wish |
| Sachin Tendulkar | Sponsored education of underprivileged kids in Mumbai | Produced many state-level cricketers |
| Virat Kohli | Invited blind cricket team to training session | Boosted visibility of blind cricket |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Gifted signed bat to visually impaired fan Ravi | Inspired visually impaired children to dream big |
Final thoughts
In an age of record deals, franchise auctions, and social media battles, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s simple, silent gesture reminded the world of cricket’s deeper purpose: to inspire and uplift lives. His act of kindness towards Ravi is a testament to his character – a player who never forgets his roots and remains grateful to those who draw strength from his journey.
Disclaimer: This news article is for informational purposes only. All quotes and events are based on interactions during the India vs England Test training session facilitated by the BCCI and associated NGOs. Further formal statements from the player or BCCI may follow in upcoming press releases.
