Former India player Suresh Raina has praised Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s performance thus far in the IPL 2023 season.
Jaiswal has 477 runs scored with a strike rate of 160.60 in 11 innings and also has a hundred. Raina said that Jaiswal, who is also a prolific explosive left-hander and has the potential to be the ‘next Shikhar Dhawan’ in the Indian side.
Suresh Raina, an IPL specialist, praised Yashasvi Jaiswal for constantly prospering under pressure during a media interaction arranged by Jio Cinema:
“Yashasvi has put up a yashasvi (successful) performance in the IPL so far. He has scored heaps of runs in domestic cricket as well, and I feel he is ready to play for India.
“With the World Cups coming up, if India is finding a replacement for Shikhar Dhawan, Jaiswal has that ability, intent, self-belief and willingness to perform under pressure. That impressed me the most.”
Suresh Raina also praised Jitesh Sharma for another season of solid finishing for the Punjab Kings:
“Jitesh Sharma, the way he has played cameos consistently, he has a bright future ahead. His wicketkeeping skills have also been brilliant, and he will only get better with experience.”
Suresh Raina on the left-handers he has been impressed with
Suresh Raina has been impressed by two left-handed batsmen during the IPL 2023 season. He believes Rinku Singh (KKR) and Tilak Varma (MI) have been just outstanding in critical circumstances in the middle order.
Raina said:
“Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh impressed me the most because they played in the middle order. It is not easy to come and assess the game situation and adapt accordingly, but this is what I loved about them. Hopefully both of them can play for India very soon.”
With Jaiswal and Varma in the race for Emerging Player of the Tournament, it will be intriguing to watch who wins.