Tejasvi Jaiswal may not be a household name yet, but on Saturday in Ahmedabad, he produced a performance that made more than a few heads turn. For a moment,
even seasoned cricket followers could be forgiven for thinking India's rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal had shown up in Tripura colours - the cover-drives, the fearless lofts, the intent looked familiar.
But this time, it wasn't the Rajasthan Royals opener. It was his elder brother - Tejasvi - finally living his long-paused dream.
Batting at No. 3 in Tripura's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy clash against Uttarakhand, the 26-year-old hammered a 37-ball 51 featuring four sixes and a boundary. His knock lifted Tripura to 163/6 and stood as the highest score of the innings. However, despite the effort, the match slipped away. Uttarakhand captain Kunal Chandela matched the score with a 37-ball 51 of his own, and a late cameo from Jagadeesha Suchith - a quickfire 21 off just seven deliveries - saw Uttarakhand clinch a last-ball thriller by four wickets.
Tejasvi's return to competitive cricket carries significance beyond runs and scorecards. Years ago, both brothers left Uttar Pradesh together and moved to Mumbai with one shared dream - to become professional cricketers. But when money became scarce, someone had to sacrifice their ambition. Tejasvi stepped aside, took up work in Delhi, and quietly sent money home - funding the rise of his younger brother, who would go on to become an all-format India international.
Now, with the family stable and dreams rekindled, Tejasvi is back on the field - this time chasing his own future.
Speaking of Yashavi, he notched up his maiden ODI hundred against South Africa in the series decider on Saturday to lead the hosts to a 9-wicket victory and eventually a 2-1 series win. He bagged the Man of the Match award for his unbeaten 116 off 121 deliveries.
