IND vs AFG: Positive mindset, aggressive intent bring Yashasvi Jaiswal rewards in Indore

Making his return to India's T20I XI, youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal played an explosive knock of 68 runs off 34 deliveries, which helped the Men in Blue beat Afghanistan by six wickets at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. Explaining the reason behind his aggressive batting, Jaiswal stated that the team management asked the opener to express himself as he was trying to give the team an excellent start in the middle.

Jaiswal added that he wanted to play with a good strike rate and is working hard in the nets to get better. The cricketer also mentioned about making the most of the opportunities. Notably, he has been a force to reckon with in the shortest format of the game and if he manages to keep up with the momentum, the 22-year-old can make it to the T20 World Cup squad.

“I have been told to go and express myself and I was trying to do that. I was trying to punish the loose balls, and was focused to give my team a good start. If I gave a good start I was trying to bat as deep as I can. I was trying to keep my strike rate good. I wanted to keep batting with a good strike rate,” Jaiswal was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

“I keep working hard on my practice sessions and on my process. Whenever I get my chance I try my best and make sure that I am doing things for the team which is important. I am just trying to show my intent and trying to do well for my team,” he added.

Whenever I bat with Virat Kohli, it's an honour: Jaiswal

India were under some pressure after skipper Rohit Sharma was out on a golden duck. However, Jaiswal built a crucial 57-run partnership with Virat Kohli, which bailed India out of a difficult situation. Speaking about partnering with one of the modern-day greats, Jaiswal mentioned that it’s an honour for him as he gets to learn a lot from the 35-year-old.

“It was really nice, going there and enjoy the game especially when I was with Virat bhaiya. Whenever I bat with him, it's an honour. Lots of things to learn from him, like we had small chats about where we can hit. We decided that it was easy to hit over long on and mid off and we were trying to do that. The intent was there and the positive vibes were there and we were just trying to hit good shots,” Jaiswal said.