Following a spectacular run in Tests, Yashasvi Jaiswal, the burgeoning talent in Indian cricket, has now proven his mettle in T20I cricket. And the confident Mumbai-born batter insists it's only the beginning, emphasising his ambition to be 'ready for tomorrow'.
Having made waves during the IPL 2023, the 21-year-old left-hander smoothly transitioned to Test cricket, marking his debut with a splendid century and subsequently adding a fifty to his tally.
In his second T20I appearance, Jaiswal showcased his prowess, hitting a remarkable unbeaten 84 off 51 balls. "It's just the start," he commented post the nine-wicket thrashing of West Indies in the fourth T20I, a win that levelled the series at 2-2 with a decisive match poised for Sunday.
Reflecting on his innings, he said, "It (half-century) was really special, representing India is always a proud moment. I'm so blessed and grateful that I was able to express myself today and it went off well."
Following a couple of setbacks in the first two of the WI vs IND five-match T20I series, India reshuffled the top order, sidelining Ishan Kishan for Jaiswal to partner with Shubman Gill. Their first attempt, however, saw the duo garnering just six runs collectively. Despite this, India emerged victorious.
But their second outing together was nothing short of spectacular. Chasing 179 in the fourth T20I, Gill and Jaiswal effortlessly navigated the innings, equalling India's all-time highest T20I opening stand, previously set by Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. When probed if this heralds a new era, Jaiswal modestly stated, "What they (Rohit and Rahul) have done is amazing. They are legends of the game. We have a long way to go."
Jaiswal also spoke warmly of sharing a dressing room with luminaries like Rahul Dravid, Rohit, Virat Kohli, and others, "I just try to gather as much information possible from their talks and put that in my game."
Discussing the journey to the top, he added, "Of course, transition is all important. It's about how I am doing my practice, and how I am shifting my mind, it's all about mindset."
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