• By Manik Sharma
  • Mon, 15 Jan 2024 12:04 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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IND vs AFG, 2nd T20I: The one of the most challenging positions to secure in the formidable Indian line-up for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies & USA in June is the opening slot. Youngsters like Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Yashasvi Jaiswal are vying for it alongside Indian skipper Rohit Sharma.

In the second T20I against Afghanistan at the Holkar Stadium on Sunday night, Jaiswal, chosen over Gill, justified the selection by delivering a rapid half-century. Teaming up with all-rounder Shivam Dube, the left-hander from Mumbai showcased a blistering performance, crafting a 34-ball 68 comprising six powerful sixes and five elegantly-timed fours against the Afghan attack.

Following the match, the 22-year-old disclosed his joy in batting alongside former India captain Virat Kohli. Together, they formed a 57-run partnership in just 28 balls for the second wicket, helping India clinch a six-wicket victory and taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3-match series.

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“I think It was really nice. Whenever I bat with Virat bhaiya, it’s an honour. Lots of things to learn like when we were batting, we had small chats where we could hit boundaries. We decided that it was easy to hit over the long on and mid off. The intent was there and the positive vibes were there and we were just trying to hit good shots,” Jaiswal revealed in a BCCI video.

The left-handed batter disclosed the specific role assigned to him by the team and outlined his objectives during his time in the middle. Jaiswal was absent from the opening match in Mohali due to a sore groin.

“I have been told to go and express myself and try to do what I do. I keep working hard on my practice session. When I get the chance I try my best and make sure that I am doing things for the team which is important and I am just trying to show my intent,” Jaiswal said.

“I was trying to punish the loose balls, and was focused to give my team a good start. I was trying to bat as deep as I could. I was trying to keep my strike rate good. I wanted to keep batting with a good strike rate,” he added.

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India and Afghanistan will play the last match of the bilateral series on January 17.