INDORE: If you can keep a highly talented batsman like Shubman Gill, who had a breakthrough year in 2023, out of the XI, you better be good.
Preferred to Gill in the second T20I against Afghanistan at the Holkar Stadium here on Sunday night, Yashasvi Jaiswal showed exactly why this Mumbai left-hander is now almost certainty penned in as one India's openers for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies & USA in June.
Pulverising the Afghan attack along with all-rounder Shivam Dube, the Mumbai left-hander bludgeoned his way to a 34-ball 68 that contained six massive sixes and five sweetly-timed fours.
Post the match, the 22-year-old revealed that he enjoyed batting with former India captain Virat Kohli, with whom he forged a 57-run stand in just 28 balls for the second wicket en route to India's six-wicket win.
"It was really nice to be there. Whenever I bat with Virat bhaiya, I get to learn a lot. Today also, we had small chats on where we could hit. We decided that it was easy to hit over long on or mid-off. The intent was there, and there were positive vibes as well. We were just trying to hit good shots," Jaiswal said.
It's clear that the free-stroking Jaiswal has been given the licence by the Indian team management to go for his shots from ball one.
"I have been told to express myself and try to do what I do. It's about working hard in the practice sessions, and whenever I get the chance, I try to contribute to the team. I am just doing that," the youngster said.
1/10:2nd T20I: India seal series with dominant win over Afghanistan
AP
2/10:Yashasvi Jaiswal's explosive knock
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed 68 off 34 balls, propelling India towards victory in Indore.ANI
3/10:Shivam Dube's unbeaten 63
Shivam Dube played another crucial innings, scoring an unbeaten 63 to secure India's win.ANI
4/10:India's unbeaten home record
Top-ranked India have been unbeaten at home for 15 consecutive T20 series.TOI Sports
5/10:Axar Patel's bowling brilliance
Left-arm spinner Axar Patel led the charge with figures of 2-17 to help dismiss Afghanistan for 172.PTI
6/10:Rohit's praise for Jaiswal and Dube
Skipper Rohit Sharma commended Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube for their exceptional performances in the match.PTI
7/10:Virat Kohli's return to T20I
Virat Kohli made a comeback to T20Is, contributing 29 runs in a partnership of 57 with Jaiswal.ANI
8/10:Jaiswal and Dube's partnership
Jaiswal put on a 92-run stand with left-handed partner Dube as India chased down their victory target with 26 balls to spare.ANI
9/10:Naib's aggressive batting
Gulbadin Naib took on the Indian bowling attack in his 35-ball 57 knock laced with five fours and four sixes.PTI
