Yash Thakur ‘s journey to the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing personal tragedies and initial doubts about his cricketing career, the 25-year-old pacer from Vidarbha has emerged as a shining star in the IPL 2024 season, captivating audiences with his stellar performances.
Growing up, Yash’s mother, Kajal Thakur, had envisioned a different path for him as a singer. However, Yash’s passion for cricket, ignited by witnessing MS Dhoni’s iconic World Cup-winning six in 2011, steered him towards the cricket field.
Transitioning from a wicketkeeper-batter to a fast bowler was not without its challenges, but under the guidance of his first coach, Praveen Hinganikar, Yash persevered. Despite setbacks like missing out on the 2018 U-19 World Cup due to a back injury, Yash remained steadfast in his pursuit of cricketing excellence, eventually earning a spot in Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy-winning team in 2017-18.
Yash Thakur ’s mother expresses his unwavering passion for Cricket
Yash’s true mettle was tested when he tragically lost his father, Ravi Singh Thakur, on his 25th birthday last year. Despite the immense personal loss, Yash exhibited remarkable strength and resolve, completing his father’s last rites before joining the Vidarbha team for their Ranji Trophy campaign.
“Ek aansu nahi giraye hain iss ladke ne. (He didn’t even shed a drop of a tear). He completed the shraadh sanskaar (last rites). He managed everything single-handedly. We were all surprised when he joined Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy team. We were not expecting it, but he motivated himself. God knows how he managed that,” Kajal added further.
“Yash was very close to his father and even during his last days, they used to talk a lot about cricket. After every match, he used to have long chats with his father,” she added.
Undeterred by grief, Yash showcased his talent on the cricket field, delivering a memorable performance for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL 2024. His sensational five-wicket haul against Gujarat Titans secured a crucial victory for his team and served as a poignant tribute to his late father. In a heartfelt gesture, Yash dedicated the Player of the Match award to his father, fulfilling their shared dream.
Reflecting on Yash’s journey, his childhood coach and former Vidarbha captain, Praveen Hinganikar, lauded his unwavering work ethic and selfless attitude towards the team. Whether bowling in the death overs or delivering long spells with the red ball, Yash has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the team’s success.
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