Yash Thakur's India call-up caps years of perseverance and fulfils late father's dream

When Yash Thakur walks into the Indian dressing room for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe, the Vidarbha fast bowler will not be arriving as an overnight success.

At 27, his maiden India call-up is the culmination of nearly a decade of relentless domestic cricket, India A tours and IPL experience — a journey held together by perseverance and the unwavering belief of a father whose biggest dream was to see his son represent the country.

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That dream, however, will remain bittersweet.

Thakur's father, Ravisingh Thakur, passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest in 2023, three years before the fast bowler earned his first national selection.

Speaking to PTI in an exclusive interview, an emotional Thakur said the India call-up for the Zimbabwe tour has fulfilled the dream his father cherished the most.

"It still doesn't feel real. I am still not able to process it. It will take some time to sink in. Everyone at home is happy and all those emotions are still playing out," Thakur told PTI.

"His dream was to see me represent India. This call-up is the fulfilment of that dream."

The life-changing phone call came at Nagpur airport as Thakur waited to collect his baggage after returning from India A's tour of Sri Lanka. He was informed that he had been picked for the three-match T20I series in Zimbabwe, to be played from July 23 to 26.

"Honestly, I wasn't expecting anything because I had only just come back from the Sri Lanka tour. I never thought I would get a call so soon," he said.

While this will be his first taste of international cricket, Thakur is no newcomer to the elite circuit.

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Since making his List A debut in 2017, he has claimed nearly 100 wickets in 57 matches, featured in 74 T20s and played 22 IPL games across Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings, taking 27 wickets, including a five-wicket haul.

His rise has followed almost every rung of India's domestic pathway — the Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, Irani Cup and Vijay Hazare Trophy — before earning a place in the BCCI's targeted fast bowlers programme and regular India A assignments.

Those opportunities gradually convinced him that the ultimate breakthrough was within reach.

"Since I started getting regular opportunities for India A, I felt I was one step closer to playing for India. But I also knew that whether it was domestic cricket or India A, I had to keep performing consistently if I wanted my dream to come true," he said.

The toughest phase of that journey came after his father's sudden death.

"I was in Nagpur at that time. It was a very difficult time for me. Initially, it took me a long time to cope with the loss."

What kept him going, he said, were the words his father had repeated throughout his cricketing journey.

"(But) My father always told me that whatever happens in life, I should never lose sight of our dream. He would always tell me that nothing should affect that dream. Those words stayed with me and helped me move forward," an overwhelmed Thakur said.

Following the personal loss, Thakur credits his mother Kajal and his elder sister for helping him stay focused on cricket.

He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by his parents while raising him in a middle-class household.

"They never told me not to play or stopped me from pursuing cricket. Whatever decision I took, they stood by me. I give them full credit. I come from a humble background.

"My father was a middle-class businessman and business always has its ups and downs. But he never stopped me because of financial reasons. Whatever I needed, he always tried to provide. I will always remain grateful to him."

Thakur's cricketing journey has not been without setbacks

He toured England with India's Under-19 team alongside current Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill but missed out on selection for the Under-19 World Cup that year.

Instead of fading away, he steadily rebuilt his career through domestic cricket before forcing his way into the national reckoning.

The IPL, he believes, played a crucial role in preparing him for international cricket.

"The IPL helped me develop the right mindset. It teaches you to be fearless because you are bowling to the best batters in the world. You plan against international players and compete with them regularly. That gives you confidence and prepares you for international cricket."

Thakur also credited current India bowling coach Morne Morkel, whom he worked with at Lucknow Super Giants, for transforming his understanding of fast bowling.

"When I joined the IPL set-up, I met Morne for the first time. He helped me understand the technical aspects of fast bowling and how to read different wickets. More importantly, he taught me what mindset a fast bowler should have. Those lessons still help me today."

Beyond the IPL, he acknowledged the role of mentor Umesh Patwal and his early coaches in shaping his career.

"Umesh Patwal is my mentor and I discuss everything with him. He has helped me immensely. When I first started playing cricket, Pravin Hinganikar sir gave me tremendous support. I began at his club."

He also thanked Nagpur Cricket Academy chief Madhav Bakre for consistently supporting young cricketers from the region.

"Madhav Bakre sir has always ensured I get proper practice facilities whenever I need them. Not just for me, he does that for every young cricketer in Vidarbha because he wants players from our region to succeed."

Finally, Thakur expressed gratitude to the Vidarbha Cricket Association for backing his development over the years.

"I am extremely grateful to the Vidarbha Cricket Association. They have provided every facility we could ask for. Whether it is Jamtha or Civil Lines, we always get quality practice," he concluded.