On May 11th, Yashasvi Jaiswal made history in the Indian Premier League (IPL) by scoring an unbeaten 98 off just 47 balls in a game against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Jaiswal’s incredible display of batting saw him break the record for the fastest half-century in IPL history, previously held by KL Rahul, who achieved the feat in 14 balls. Thanks to Jaiswal’s impressive knock, the Rajasthan Royals chased down a target of 150 runs in just 13.1 overs, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Jaiswal’s stunning performance is all the more impressive given his status as an uncapped player. Ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, Jaiswal was retained by the Rajasthan Royals for a staggering INR 4 crore, and he is now receiving the same salary in IPL 2023. Jaiswal’s continued success on the field is a testament to the franchise’s faith in his abilities.
After just 12 innings, Jaiswal has already scored an impressive 575 runs in IPL 2023, placing him second on the list of highest run-scorers in the tournament. Jaiswal also scored his first-ever IPL century earlier in the season and is relishing his role at the top of the order for the Royals. His incredible form has put him in contention for the Orange Cap, awarded to the tournament’s top run-scorer.
In a post-match interview, Jaiswal expressed his delight at the victory and emphasized his commitment to finishing games and winning matches. “I always focus on going out there and performing well,” he said. “I don’t expect all the events to go my way, but I aim to prepare well along with trusting in myself. I know the results will come. The winning shot was a great feeling, and my motto has always been to finish the game and win. I feel blessed and grateful, and I’m trying my best.”
When asked about missing out on a century, Jaiswal revealed that the team’s net run rate was the only thing on his mind. “Me and Sanju were only talking about finishing the game quickly,” he said. Jaiswal also shared his thoughts on the Buttler run out, stating that it gave him the responsibility to perform even better. “I am just fortunate for a tournament like the IPL where the youngsters like me can join and perform. This has been a great platform for players like me to fulfill my dreams,” he added.
Jaiswal’s incredible form in IPL 2023 has not gone unnoticed, and he is being hailed as one of the rising stars of Indian cricket. With his combination of skill, talent, and determination, Jaiswal is poised to have a long and successful career in the sport. His impressive performances in the IPL are a testament to his ability to handle pressure and perform at the highest level, and cricket fans around the world will no doubt be eager to see what he accomplishes next.