Jaiswal has taken his game to a new level: Rohit

Not often does a double-header day have two clashes where the batters from the losing team have won the Player of the Match award. But April 30 (Sunday) was an exception, and you could see very well why Yashasvi Jaiswal was awarded with the Player of the Match. 

The southpaw took his game up a notch from last season, with 428 runs in the season, averaging a high 47.56, and a strike-rate of 159.70. On the night, the left-hander scored a 62-ball 124, which was also the third century in this year's IPL, with two out of the three been in a losing cause. Indian captain and Mumbai Indians’ skipper Rohit Sharma was in awe of Jaiswal’s innings, stating that the southpaw has taken his game to a new level. 

“I watched him (Jaiswal) last year, this year he has taken his game to a new level. I asked him where all that power is coming from, he says he is spending time at the gym, He's timing them really well. Good for him, good for Indian cricket and good for RR as well,” Rohit stated. 

Mumbai Indians haven’t had the best of starts in IPL 2023, with just four wins and four losses in their opening first eight clashes. But the clash against Rajasthan was a big positive for them, and Rohit insisted that it was a ‘pleasing’ sight to see the run-chase. 

“Very pleasing to see how we chased this. Last game here also we came close to a similar target. We have the ability to back ourselves. (On David being next Pollard) Big shoes to fill, Polly for so many years won us so many championships. But Tim has so much ability and power. In the back end, having that power keeps the bowler always thinking,” he had to add. 

Another promising piece of news for Mumbai was the return of Jofra Archer, who breathed fire with his pace. Rohit insisted that the English pacer needs more practice and rhythm going into the business end of the tournament. 

“It is difficult as a captain, but unfortunately you have to play the conditions and the opposition. We want to be flexible as a team and guys need to be ready for it. Jofra has had a massive injury and didn't play for a long, long time. Bowlers need practice and rhythm, and we saw good pace from him today. SKY obviously we knew a knock like today was round the corner.”

Jaiswal was named the Player of the Match, and the left-hander opened up on his century, stating that he wasn’t aware of the ball reaching the boundary. 

“When I scored the century, I didn't know that ball had gone to the boundary. So when that happened, I just thanked God for the opportunity, I always had this dream, wanted to work on the process and work hard,” Jaiswal spoke about his century.

“Results will follow. I keep myself mentally strong and work on my fitness and diet. Organised my life well outside of cricket. I enjoy playing the straight drive and cover drive, that gives me a lot of confidence. Thank you so much, everyone for the support!!”