With 125 runs in three games at 41.66, including two half-centuries, Rajasthan Royals opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has made his best start yet to the IPL in the company of England giant Jos Buttler, from whom the youngster is learning more than just about cricket.
The 21-year-old, who managed totals around 250 each in the last two editions, seems well-placed to have his finest IPL with the bat which follows a successful run in domestic cricket.
The left-handed batsman made 315 runs at an average of 45 from five Ranji Trophy games with a highest of 162 and smacked 213 for the Rest of India against Madhya Pradesh in the Irani Cup last month.
Jaiswal acknowledged that the successful run in domestic cricket has helped him make a strong start to the IPL. “One hundred per cent, it gives me amazing confidence of playing in different conditions. I have been in different situations so many times and I have drawn confidence from it to go out and express myself,” he said.
The presence of Buttler in the Royals camp and his relationship with the England limited-overs captain has had a strong impact on the youngster.
“In the Powerplay, as Jos always says, we have to have good intent and cricketing shots. I just try and follow that.
“I keep learning a lot from him, different shots and having different mindsets which have really helped me to improve my game as a player,” he said.
“Also, seeing him outside of the game, how he goes about in his life and what he does... I learn from all that and put it in my lifestyle to improve my career,” Jaiswal added.
According to Jaiswal, having the right mindset is crucial for him while switching between formats. “I think it is about the mindset. I know how to convert starts into big knocks.”
Pooran lauds Wood last over
Bangalore: Lucknow Super Giants’ middle-order batsman Nicholas Pooran credited his team’s thrilling win against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to the brilliant 20th over bowled by pacer Mark Wood, which didn’t allow the home side to reach or cross 220.
Wood gave away only nine off the final over of the RCB innings and also took the important wicket of a rampaging Glenn Maxwell, and in the context of the game, that was a praiseworthy effort.
The Super Giants, despite losing three wickets inside the Powerplay with just 23 runs on the board, managed to win the game by one wicket on Monday with Pooran scoring a 19-ball 62.
“That over from Mark kept us in the game. Psychologically, chasing 220-odd would have put additional pressure on us, but chasing 213, we felt like the momentum was on our side. It was just that we needed to get that start,” the Windies batter said.
PTI
