"I really enjoyed hitting James Anderson for three sixes": Yashasvi Jaiswal

Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had to retire hurt after suffering cramps on Saturday, returned to the pitch on Sunday and scored an unbeaten 214 as India beat England by 434 runs in Rajkot to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match Test series, with two matches remaining. Jaiswal spoke exclusively to JioCinema on 'Match Centre Live', at the end of the match. Excerpts:

Jaiswal on getting big scores: “If you see, in India, you work really hard. Even when you go to catch a bus, train, or any mode of transport, you have to try really hard. I have done that since my childhood and I know how important every innings is. That’s why I work hard in practice as I know every innings counts. The biggest motivation for me is to play for my country and I know I need to give my 100 percent.”

On hitting James Anderson for three sixes: “I think I was in a really good zone. I felt if he was going to bowl there, I would need to play my shots. He is a world-class bowler and I made sure that if I were going to hit him, I did it well. I was just trying my best and I really enjoyed that.”

On his partnership with Sarfaraz Khan: “I am really happy for Sarfaraz (Khan). He played really well in both the first and second innings. When I was in the middle with him, he played some really good shots. We have been playing together for the past three or four years. We know how to play along with each other and that’s why we run really well between the wickets. Of course, we had planned about which bowler to target and how to build the innings. Overall, it was really good to bat with him.”

On coach Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour’s influence: “They (Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour) have been incredible. They have spoken to me about my mindset, how to think about the game, to read the wicket, and take the game as deep as I can. They have given me the freedom to bat. They say if you think you can play that shot well then make sure that you’re committing to it. And I think they know that I play the sweep and reverse sweep. I have been really enjoying it. It’s been a while that I have played under Rahul sir and Vikram sir. As a cricketer, I always back my emotions. Sometimes I do well and sometimes I don’t and during those times in particular, the way they talk about cricket and other things is really good to see. So, it has been an incredible experience.”

Anil Kumble spoke on Ravindra Jadeja’s performance: “He gives batters absolutely no room to breathe and doesn’t even allow space in between balls. He doesn’t allow anyone to take any time. I mean there was one instance where Joe Root just walked away because Jaddu was at him before he could even lift his head. So, that’s the kind of approach he has - he’s relentless and the kind of accuracy he has and just that subtle turn. Yes, there was a little bit of help for him from the surface.

I don’t think we saw any English bowlers getting any help from it. But, it was brilliant to watch Jadeja bowl. His accuracy is impeccable and if you allow him to stay there, he’ll stay there all day. So, the English players did not do anything different like how they approached in the first innings and that is something they need to rethink.”