PBKS vs RR IPL 2026: Yashasvi Jaiswal has excelled as an opener for the Rajasthan Royals, driving the team’s chase against the Punjab Kings. He praised fellow opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi post-match. Chasing 223, Rajasthan seized momentum as Sooryavanshi blasted 43 runs off 16 balls, while Jaiswal hammered 51 off 27.
The pair assembled a partnership of 51 runs in just 3.1 overs, setting the stage for a six-wicket win with four balls to spare, powered by a late charge from Donovan Ferreira and Shubham Dubey.
Talking about their match-winning partnership, Jaiswal was really impressed with Sooryavanshi. "Of course, it's amazing. I really enjoyed batting with him, and he's playing amazingly. So it's always, I am always happy seeing the other end, the way he is hitting the ball", he told reporters during the post-match press conference.
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He was also asked about being the experienced batter in this partnership and said, "I don't think so, I am older. I'm still very young, but of course, the way he is, and he's quite young. So I don't know what to say about it, to be honest", he said.
Jaiswal also shared his strategy while chasing, stating their intent was clear from the outset. "We knew the ground favored high scores, so we kept our intent strong. Whenever the ball was in my zone, I aimed to hit. We needed a fast start to chase over 200 runs, so it was obvious we would attack if the ball were in our arc," he added.
Although RR's run rate slowed during the middle overs, Yuzvendra Chahal struck with crucial wickets, and Jaiswal expressed confidence in their team’s balance.
"I think it's been pretty good. Everyone trusts each other, and of course, everyone they are not going to perform on the same day. But of course, we have a very good team. So we are practicing hard. We focus on the process, and I think it will come at the right time whenever it has to. I think we are all enjoying it a lot. Very nice environment. Very happy, all the guys, and we are loving it. So we are just very excited for all the games", he added.
Talking about his approach as an opener, he emphasized how important enjoyment and freedom were, "I think it's all about having fun in the middle. And of course, we know this game is like that also. We have to, we have to keep our intent and think about scoring runs as we all spread this in the dressing room if we get someone. So we should go for them. And yeah, we are just enjoying it."
Donovan Ferreira steered RR’s chase with 52 runs off 26 balls, and Shubham Dubey contributed a determined 31 off 12. PBKS bowlers Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson, and Marco Jansen struggled to contain them.