It was an exemplary batting performance by Rest of India batter Yashaswi Jaiswal, whose 357 runs across two innings in the Irani Cup helped his side to a massive 238-run victory over Madhya Pradesh on Sunday, March 5. Despite such brilliant batting, the young gun is not too happy after being unable to hit 300 runs in the first innings.
"If I'd remained not out and gotten a 300 in the first innings, it'd have been better but I'm happy. Initially, the ball was moving and I was trying to bat through when they were bowling well. I was discussing the bowlers' plan with my partner and back my game," said Jaiswal.
The star batter had Abhimanyu Easwaran for support during his inning, setting up a 371-run stand for the second wicket in the first innings. Easwaran scored 154 runs off 240 deliveries, hitting 17 fours and two sixes, while Jaiswal scored 213 runs in 259 balls hitting 30 boundaries and three sixes.
Jaiswal enjoyed batting with the Bengal batter, "On Day 1, when I had an experienced partner in Easwaran, it was easier as he was guiding me. It was amazing to bat with him and the seniors, it was a good learning for me," Jaiswal added.
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) batter scored a double century in the first innings and backed it up with another hundred in the second innings, amassing 357 runs in the final. In the second innings, he went all out adding another 144 runs off 157 balls.
At stumps on the penultimate day, MP were 81 for 2, needing 356 on the last day to win their maiden Irani title. This was after Jaiswal's mauling as the Rest of India remained in the driver's seat in their bid to retain the Irani Cup trophy.
Saurabh Kumar picked up three wickets while there were two apiece for Mukesh Kumar, Atit Sheth and Pulkit Narang.
