After being involved in the run-out of Jos Buttler, Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener Yashasvi Jaiswal said that the skipper had words of support for him. Samson reportedly told him to stop worrying and continue playing his game.
On Thursday, May 11, in game 56 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Rajasthan Royals thrashed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by nine wickets. Jaiswal hammered an unbeaten 98 off 47 balls as RR chased 150 to victory in 13.1 overs.
The RR opener got off to a flying start with the bat, but was engaged in a mix-up that resulted in the run-out of Buttler (0) in the second over. During the post-match presentation, Jaiswal discussed how Samson helped manage his nervousness after stepping out to the middle when Buttler’s wicket fell.
According to the 21-year-old:
“I think it (run out) happens in the game, nobody does it on purpose. It gives me responsibility to carry on and make sure that I am there. Sanju bhai came to me and said ‘Don’t worry, keep playing your game, you are in nice touch’ and I was okay.”
The left-handed batsman told after his stunning knock that he always goes out to bat with a good outlook. He went on to say:
“I always have it in my heart to go out and do well. That’s how I think. Nice feeling that we have won. It’s not like everything happened right for me but I try my best. Process is very important, how I prepare and what I’m telling myself is as well.”
Jaiswal struck a 13-ball fifty, surpassing the IPL record for the quickest half-century.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: “I’m learning to win it for the team”
Jaiswal and Samson (48* off 29) compiled an unbroken 121 runs for the second wicket. The winning runs were scored by the kid, who smashed a boundary off Shardul Thakur.
Jaiswal expressed his opinion on taking the squad home, saying:
“The shot with which I won [the match] is what’s most pleasing because I’m learning to play till the end and win it for the team. That’s my motto. I’m blessed, grateful and trying my best.
He claimed he was not thinking about missing out on the century. According to the RR opener:
“I just wanted to make the NRR high and [was] not thinking about hundred. We were talking about net run rate.
“I’m just grateful for a tournament like the IPL where youngsters like me can come and perform. This has been a great platform for players like me to fulfill my dreams.”
Jaiswal is the second-highest run-scorer in the IPL 2023, with 575 runs in 12 matches at an average of 52.27 and a strike rate of 167.15.