'Don’t worry, keep playing your game' - Yashasvi Jaiswal reveals Sanju Samson's words of wisdom during KKR clash

Rajasthan Royals’ most recent game against Kolkata Knight Riders was a memorable one for Yashasvi Jaiswal, as the youngster notched up the fastest half-century of the tournament’s history. Jaiswal wreaked havoc on the field when Rajasthan were set a target of 150 runs to chase by the hosts, and he got to a fifty off mere 13 deliveries, thereby registering his name in the record books.

Thanks to his knock, followed by skipper Sanju Samson’s powerful hitting, the Men in Pink managed to chase down the target in 13.1 overs and jumped two places up to third in the IPL 2023 Points Table. Though it was a night to remember for Jaiswal, as he remained unbeaten on 98, there also was a forgettable moment in the game for him, when his opening partner Jos Buttler was run-out for a three-ball duck after a mixup in the game’s second over.

Buttler walked off the field anguished and in anger, which also led to him being fined 10% of his match fee for breaching IPL’s Code of Conduct. Speaking about the run-out after the game, Jaiswal revealed what skipper Samson told him when he joined the youngster on the field upon Buttler’s dismissal.

“I think it (run out) happens in the game, nobody does it on purpose. It gives me responsibility to carry on and make sure that I am there. Sanju bhai came to me and said ‘Don’t worry, keep playing your game, you are in nice touch’ and I was ok,” Jaiswal said during the post-match presentation.

Process is very important: Jaiswal

After notching up the fastest half-century, Jaiswal was very positive in approaching the game thereon and looked to convert the knock into a triple-digit score. He batted at a strike rate of over 200, and notched up 98* runs off 47 deliveries, thereby scoring the winning runs. Speaking of his knock, Jaiswal said that he walks into the field confidently, which helps him carry a positive mindset.

“I always have it in my heart to go out and do well. That’s how I think. Nice feeling that we have won. It’s not like everything happened right for me but I try my best. Process is very important, how I prepare and what I’m telling myself is as well,” he added.