That’s exactly what happened to Yash Thakur. At 27, the Vidarbha pacer finally got his maiden India call-up… but the first person he thought of wasn’t himself. It was his late father, Ravi Singh Thakur, who passed away in 2023; just as Yash’s career was taking off. “Ye papa ka hi dream tha,” he said; this moment belonged to his dad. Yash credits his father’s sacrifices, support, and unwavering belief as the engine behind his rise. Now, he’s not just stepping into Team India’s dressing room; he’s stepping into a circle of mentors who’ve shaped his game: Morne Morkel, who taught him to trust his strengths; Shreyas Iyer, the ‘bowler’s captain’ who gives freedom; and Ricky Ponting, whose ‘win-at-all-costs’ mindset redefined how Yash approaches pressure. One speech from Ponting; after a 265-run chase; still echoes in his mind: “I don’t care what the score is. We will chase it.” That’s the fire Yash now carries. His story isn’t just about talent. It’s about legacy, grit, and honoring the person who believed in him before anyone else did. And that, folks, is why his India debut will mean more than just a jersey.