Rajasthan Royals opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s impressive form in the IPL 2023 has caught the attention of former cricketers Anil Kumble and Chris Gayle, who have praised his special abilities as a T20 opener.
During Rajasthan‘s third match of the season against Delhi Capitals, Jaiswal hit his second half-century in three matches, scoring 60 runs from just 31 balls. His innings included six and 11 boundaries as he attacked the new-ball bowlers.
Jaiswal’s performance outshone his opening partner Jos Buttler, as the duo put on 98 runs in just 8.3 overs.
Jaiswal’s ability to read the length of the ball and move around the crease to hit good balls to the boundary impressed Kumble, who believes the 21-year-old will soon be called up to play for India.”His sense of batsmanship in fast bowling, especially to spin, is fantastic. He reads the length very well. He is unafraid to move around in the crease and hit those good balls to the boundary. That’s a very special ability as an opening batter. He is someone the Indian selectors will keep an eye on, and one of these days, he will get an opportunity to play for India,” Kumble said.
Chris Gayle also praised Jaiswal’s stroke-making skills and ability to play well against pace and spin. “The youngster Jaiswal batted well and outscored a player like Jos Buttler at the top of the order. Jos supported the youngster very well. He did his job and got 60 runs for his team. He played his shots and set it up well for the middle-order, and you know to get a total of 199. He was very good against pace and very good against spin. He is a fantastic player to watch,” Gayle said.
Jaiswal’s impressive start to the IPL 2023 season follows a consistent run in the domestic season, where he hit 213 and 144 in the Irani Cup for the Rest of India and a century for India A in Bangladesh in December 2022.
With his special abilities as a T20 opener recognized by former cricketers, Jaiswal may soon get his chance to play for the Indian national team.