Hetmyer: Jaiswal's knock was one of the best I’ve seen in a while

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Rajasthan Royals (RR) middle-order batsman Shimron Hetmyer scored a crucial 16-ball unbeaten 31 (3x4, 2x6) to help the team outclass Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six wickets at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.

However, the West Indian hard-hitter went out of the way to praise RR opener Yashasvi Jaiswal's 68 off 41 balls which laid the foundation of the win.

"His [Jaiswal] knock was brilliant. I'm really happy to see him get some runs. It was one of the best knocks that I've seen in a while," Hetmyer said during a post-match virtual press conference on Saturday.

Jaiswal, 20, who had played his last match (against Royal Challengers Bangalore) over a month ago, managed only 25 runs in three IPL games before Saturday's match.

But, RR showed faith in him and the Mumbai boy made a strong comeback with a dominating knock that was spiced with nine fours and two sixes.

"Jaiswal is lovely to look at. He's really working hard in the nets, just to get a chance and express himself the way he did…I'm really lost for words," Hetmyer remarked.

Hetmyer has 291 from 11 games in the ongoing tournament. He revealed what worked for him this year: "I'm really taking as much time as I possibly can. It really helped me speak with my wife [Nirvani]; she is like my biggest supporter. In the past couple of years, I just didn't really give myself that much of a chance. This time, I'm just giving myself at least five-six balls and then just go from there. So far it's been working," he added.

Meanwhile, Hetmyer has headed to Guyana for the birth of his first child. He will return soon, said RR in a tweet.