Yashasvi Jaiswal opens up on his match-winning knock against Afghanistan

Yashasvi Jaiswal (Pic: AFP)

Replacing star Indian opening batsman Shubman Gill who is currently out of form, Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased his exceptional batting skills by smashing 68 runs in 34 balls against Afghanistan in the second T20I. He said it was all thanks to the "go out and express yourself" brief from the Indian team management.

Jaiswal's stupendous knock and Dube's 63 helped India secure a six-wicket victory over Afghanistan. The "Men in Blue" are currently leading the three-match T20I series with 2-0. On Sunday, they easily chased down the target of 173 runs with 26 balls to spare.

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"I have been told to go and express myself and I was trying to do that," Jaiswal said at the post-match conference on Sunday night.

"I was trying to punish the loose balls, and was focused to give my team 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," said the 22-year-old opening batter.

The 22-year-old who has just represented India in four tests and 16 T20Is said he has tried his best to do well for the team whenever he has got a chance. In December 2023, he smashed 60 against South Africa.

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"I keep working hard in 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," he said, trying to give an insight into his thought process. "I am just trying to show my intent and trying to do well for my team," added Jaiswal who hit five fours and six sixes during his innings last night.

When asked about what really happened between him and Virat Kohli during the 57 runs partnership, he replied, "It was really nice...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."

Dube, on his part, said he and Jaiswal had planned to finish off the run chase. Jaiswal was, however, dismissed in the 13th over.

"We both are stroke players. He was batting really well. We had a plan that both will be going, so let's finish the match as soon as possible. There was not any target (to finish), but we've finished on time," said Dube, whose 63 not out was decorated with five fours and four sixes.

"There are many things I have worked on. It's not about skill (only)... being focused on every ball is important. I am working on my bowling as well," Dube, who claimed one wicket in the series-opener in Mohali, said.

(With PTI Inputs)