'Jaiswal has taken his batting to next level.'
Buoyed after Mumbai Indians pulled off a nail-biting victory over Rajasthan Royals in the IPL match in Mumbai on Sunday night, skipper Rohit Sharma lavished praise on Royals opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, saying he was surprised by the power the young opener packed in his strokes.
Jaiswal's blazing 124 helped Rajasthan Royals post 212 for 7. The 21-year-old’s 62-ball knock, which was studded with 16 fours and eight sixes, was in vain though as the Royals lost by six wickets, with three deliveries to spare.
Rohit indicated he saw in Jaiswal the potential to make it to the India side.
"I watched him (Jaiswal) last year; he's taken it to the next level. I asked him 'where did you get the power from?'. He said he's been going to the gym; that's good for him, India and RR," said Rohit, at the post-match presentation.
Jaiswal, who was adjudged 'Player of the Match', said he wants to keep working hard and focus on the process.
"When I completed my century, I didn't know whether the ball went to the boundary, so I thanked God for everything. That was the highlight. Days like this definitely can happen. I want to focus on the process and work hard, and have the belief. I have been positive and am maintaining a good, fit lifestyle which is helping. The straight drive is my straight drive," said Jaiswal.
Rohit was pleased with the way Mumbai Indians went about the task of chasing the big total.
"Was pleasing to see how we chased down the target. Last game too we came close and we back ourselves to chase them down. So it was pleasing. Tim (David) has got a lot of ability and power. At the back end that helps and is good to have."
The skipper also said Jofra Archer returning to the side and bowling full tilt was a big positive.
"Jofra's had a massive injury; with bowlers we knew they need match practice. But his pace was a big positive and we thought SKY's (Suryakumar Yadav) innings like that was around the corner."
Royals skipper Sanju Samson conceded Suryakumar and Tim David took the match away from them at the Wankhede stadium.
Suryakumar's half-century (55 off 29 balls) and a 62-run unbeaten stand between David (45 not out off 14 balls) and Tilak Varma (29 not out off 21) proved decisive.
Tall West Indian all-rounder Jason Holder was the most expensive of the Royals bowlers, conceding 55 runs in just 3.3 overs, at an economy nearing 16 runs per over.
Samson said the special innings from David turned the match on its head.
"At the time-out we were thinking that with the way Sky (Surya) was going, we were thinking of fighting it out and we were almost there, but Tim David did something special," said Samson after the match.
The Royals skipper added that even in defeat the team was setting high standards in all departments of the game.
"It was kinda wet (outfield because of the dew); not that wet! We were expecting it but had the experience to deal with it. The way we've been playing, with the last nine games ending with us winning or coming close, illustrates the high standards at which we've been playing. Jaiswal ended up on the wrong side but very happy for him personally."
