Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal, has reflected on his remarkable knock against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday, May 11, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. He scored an unbeaten 98 off 47 balls and helped RR beat KKR by nine wickets in a dominating encounter. The RR skipper, Sanju Samson also provided a worthwhile contribution for his side, scoring an unbeaten 48 off 29 deliveries.
After winning the toss, Samson invited the hosts to bat first. Yuzvendra Chahal claimed a four-wicket haul and Trent Boult grabbed two wickets as RR restricted KKR to a below-par 149 in 20 overs. However, the visitors chased down the target in just 13.1 overs.
While talking about his knock, Jaiswal stated that when he saw Nitish Rana bowling, he felt that if he could score runs off him with his strokes, he should go for it. The young opener who produced an explosive start for the RR by scoring a maximum, explained that he hit the ball after spotting the field placements and calculating his shot alternatives.
"When I saw Nitish bhai bowl, I thought that if I can get runs off him with my shots then I should go for it. You never know how someone will bowl their first ball, but after spotting the field placements, I calculated what my shot options were," Jaiswal said post the match.
The 21-year-old went on to say that his opening partner, Jos Buttler gave up his wicket for him, something he was grateful for. He added that it was the moment he decided to shoulder responsibility.
"Between Jos bhai and me, I am learning a lot. Today, he sacrificed his wicket because of my error, and I really respect that. We all know that it happens in the game, nobody does it purposely. But that was the moment where I decided to take responsibility, thinking 'it is okay' but I need to take responsibility from here on," he added.
I thought that I will go for a six to get the hundred if I could: Jaiswal
Jaiswal then opened up about his disappointment at missing out on a century. The youngster who scored the winning run said that the only thing on his mind was that he has to play and finish the game even at the end. He did, however, say that he will remember his innings fondly since it was so intense.
"I thought that I will go for a six to get the hundred if I could, but it is okay. The other thing I had in mind was that I have to play long and finish the games, so even at the end, that was the only thought in my mind, to leave the field by finishing the game. I will remember this innings a lot. It was short-lived but also very intense," he said.
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