Yashasvi Jaiswal ensured that he remains among the contenders for inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup, schedule for June, squad after the Rajasthan Royals opener scored a ton against Mumbai Indians on Monday.
Jaiswal opened the innings with captain Rohit Sharma in the home T20 series against Afghanistan earlier this year but his below-par performance in the IPL, 39 being his highest score in his first seven matches, had raised concerns over his spot in the World Cup squad.
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly had also voiced his opinion on the matter and suggested that Virat Kohli, the IPL's leading scorer this season, should open with Rohit at the World Cup. However, Jaiswal’s unbeaten 104 off 60 balls definitely have an impact on changing the conversation again.
"I really enjoyed (batting) from the start and was trying to make sure that I was watching the ball properly and playing my shots," the 22-year-old said after the match.
"Some days it's tough, some days it comes good," he said of his form and lauded Rajasthan's director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara and skipper Sanju Samson for backing him.
Jaiswal notched up seven sixes and nine fours as Rajasthan chased down the 180-run target and won the match by nine wickets.
Samson also lauded Jaiswal after the match.
"We knew that it is just a matter of one game," said Samson.
"I think the way he batted in the powerplay, he was calm, composed and he knew that things are under control.
"We knew in the dugout that he is playing some (nice) cricketing shots and he will be fine. Really happy for him."
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
