Cricket fans worldwide were left in awe as Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young prodigy from Mumbai, put on a batting masterclass in the 1000th Indian Premier League (IPL) game. Jaiswal’s magnificent ton, which included 16 boundaries and 8 sixes, helped the Rajasthan Royals to post a humungous total of 212 runs on the board.
The 21-year-old Jaiswal had made a name for himself in domestic cricket with his aggressive stroke play and fearless attitude. But he had struggled to replicate his form in the last seasons of IPL. However, in this IPL, he has changed his fortune and is scoring runs in each match with a berserk strike rate. This season, he has scored 428 runs with an astonishing average of 30.47 and a blistering strike rate of 144.6. In this match, he scored 124 runs and showed his class and potential in the landmark game
After this game, Jaiswal became the orange cap holder by beating RCB captain Faf Du Plessis. Jaiswal has now scored 428 runs in this season whereas Du Plessis has 422 runs to his name in 8 matches and CSK opener Conway is at 3rd spot with 414 runs to his name.
After this fantabulous inning, Jiaswal credited this century to his hard work.” I think I enjoyed every part of my innings. I was thinking right, planning right and hitting the right shots. I have practiced all the shots that I want to play. Every time I used to hold a bat, be it in the nets or the match, I feel the same way. The things I do in practice will reflect in the game. I have worked a lot on my batting, my skills with Zubin sir right through the season, white ball and red-ball. When I got to the hundred, it was an amazing feeling and this is what I wanted. It is really special, I need to enjoy it but I need to look forward and keep going. I never thought about slowing down, I know my role in the team, I need to keep going and make sure run-rate is high and contribute as much as I can in whatever way possible to the team.”
Jaiswal’s inning was not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment in the history of the IPL. The 1000th game of the tournament, which is now in its 16th season, was a reminder of the impact and popularity of the IPL not only in India but around the world.
As the IPL season continues, fans will be eagerly watching Jaiswal and other young talents to see who will emerge as the stars of the future. If Jaiswal’s innings is anything to go by, the future of Indian cricket is indeed in good hands.