Yashasvi Jaiswal played a crucial role at the top as Rajasthan Royals pulled off a stunning chase against Punjab Kings, and the young opener was full of praise for his opening partner Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the game. Chasing a daunting 223, Rajasthan were powered early by a blistering start, with Sooryavanshi smashing 43 off just 16 balls and Jaiswal contributing a composed 51 off 27. The pair added 51 runs in just 3.2 overs, setting the tone for what eventually became a six-wicket win with four balls to spare, thanks to a late flourish from Donovan Ferreira and Shubham Dubey. Reflecting on the partnership, Jaiswal was clearly impressed with the youngster at the other end. “Of course, it’s amazing. I really enjoyed batting with him and he’s playing amazing. So it’s always, I’m always happy seeing the other end, the way he’s hitting the ball,” he said. When asked about being the more experienced player in the partnership, Jaiswal played it down. “I don’t think so. I’m older. I’m still very young, but of course, the way he is and he’s quite young. So, I don’t know what to say about it, to be honest,” he added. Jaiswal also shed light on the mindset during the steep chase, emphasising clarity of intent from the outset. “Of course, we knew that it’s a high-scoring ground. So we have to keep the intent and we have to go whenever we feel like. So I was also thinking, okay, if it is in my range, so I’m gonna hit it. And of course, like we needed good start because we are scoring, we have to score 200, more than 200 runs. So it was pretty clear that we are going to hit the ball if it is in our arc.” Despite a brief slowdown in the middle overs, where Yuzvendra Chahal picked up key wickets, Jaiswal remained confident about the team’s balance and environment. “I think it’s been pretty good. Everyone trust each other and of course, everyone, they are not going to perform at the same day. But of course, we have a very good, good team. So we are practicing hard. We focus on process and I think it will come on a right time whenever it has to. I think we all are enjoying a lot. Very nice environment. Very happy all, all, all the guys and we are loving it. So we are just very excited for all the games,” he said. On his approach at the top, Jaiswal highlighted the importance of freedom and enjoyment. “I think it’s all about having fun in the middle. And of course, we know this game is like that also. We have to, we have to keep our intent and think to score runs as we all spread this into the dressing room if we get someone. So we, we should go for them. And yeah, just we are enjoying it.” Rajasthan’s chase was eventually sealed by Ferreira’s unbeaten 52 off 26 and Dubey’s 31 off 12, as Punjab’s bowlers, including Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson and Marco Jansen, struggled to contain the late onslaught despite an earlier fightback.
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