Yashasvi Jaiswal’s journey can be an inspiration for any young cricketer. From spending days in a tent at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan to selling panipuri to kissing stardom at a young age, he has seen it all.
On Thursday, Jaiswal struck IPL’s fastest half-century — off 13 balls — against Kolkata Knight Riders en route his magnificent 98 not out off 47 balls at Eden Gardens. He has now scored 575 runs in 12 games at a strike-rate of 167.
Considered the next big thing in Indian cricket, he is almost certain to earn a berth in India’s T20 squad for the tour of the West Indies.
“Yashasvi Jaiswal isn’t just knocking at the doors of the Indian cricket team, he seems to be breaking it with his consistently good performances. He’s carried his imperious form of domestic cricket into IPL. What a talent he is! The future of Indian cricket is in good hands,” said Harbhajan Singh during commentary on Star Sports.
Ravi Shastri agreed. “If Team India is focusing on the ODI World Cup, the selectors should look to give as many opportunities to the youngsters like Yashasvi and Rinku (Singh). These players should be fast-tracked and can be prepared for next year’s T20 World Cup in West Indies. If the selectors don’t pick them now then I don’t know what else they are looking for.”
One striking feature of Jaiswal’s batting this season has been his consistency — he has a century at the Wankhede to go with Thursday’s unbeaten 98.
“Every wicket has a different behaviour and you play according to that wicket and the ball being bowled,” Jaiswal said after Thursday’s innings. “I try to understand what the bowlers can do, where they can bowl, and what the field is. And I try to understand the wicket also. Because, if you understand the wicket, it can go in your favour.
“My preparation has been around my discipline lately. Because after fielding for 20 overs with high intensity, you have to go and bat. That’s why I am working on my fitness and the mental aspect of the game.
“I also know that I will not bat like this every day. I have to accept that on some days my shots will pay off and on other days they won’t. So it is important to continue learning. Around me, there are many experienced players and I keep talking to them about how to keep your mindset as a batter.
“The legends like MS (Dhoni) sir, Virat Kohli sir and Jos (Buttler) bhai and Sanju (Samson) bhai... whenever I meet them, I try to learn what more I can add to my game and how I can control my mind,” Jaiswal remarked.
The 21-year-old retains his young charm and enthusiasm and it was on display during the media conference. “When I reached the 13-ball fifty, for a brief moment I thought there was a chance it was the fastest IPL fifty, but I wasn’t sure till I found out after the game. I enjoyed that moment, I celebrated also, I did this (flexes his right arm) and this (flexes his left arm). I told myself, ‘Let’s celebrate.’”
He needed a six to get the century but his team required only three to win the game. Jaiswal has no regrets for not getting to the landmark. “I thought that I will go for a six to get the hundred if I could, but it is okay,” Jaiswal said.
Jos fined match fee
Calcutta: Rajasthan Royals opener Jos Buttler, who was run out at the Eden on Thursday, has been fined 10 per cent of his match fee for a Code of Conduct breach in the game against Kolkata Knight Riders.
While the nature of the offence was not specified, an IPL media advisory read: “Buttler admitted to the Level 1 Offence under Article 2.2 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding.”
The Englishman was run out without scoring following a mix-up with Yashasvi Jaiswal who played a match-winning knock on Thursday.
PTI
