It takes a lot of hardwork to reach here, I can’t afford to lose it: Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal has been on a great run for Rajasthan Royals this season. He scored blering 124 against a star-studded Mumbai Indians on Sunday which has taken his season tally to 428 runs in nine games so far. A day after scoring his first hundred at his home ground, the youngster spoke about his batting and why he hasn’t got carried away with his recent success in IPL.
EXCERPTS
What did this hundred mean to you?
This hundred was emotional for sure, it was one of the best moments for me and I’m really happy. When I used to stay in Azad maidan (in the tent), I used to see lights of Wankhede Stadium and used to hear crowds roar. So whenever I play at Wankhede, I remember those days. I always used to see myself playing at Wankhede Stadium and when I scored a hundred those thoughts crossed my mind. It was a very emotional moment and I was totally lost for words. I told myself that I can’t let emotions take over and, what happened was good, but I need to carry on from here.
Your attacking game seems to have evolved this season. How did you go about it?
My preparation actually started much before I joined the IPL. Myself and Zubin sir (Barucha, Rajasthan Royals strategy, development and performance director) have been practicing for the past three years now in Talegoan, where there is a RR academy. I practice on different scenarios, on different pitches and practice different kinds of strokes. I know which one works for me and when I should be playing those. Those sessions gave me confidence that I can replicate it during the game. The most important thing is that I believe in myself that I can do this and I will do it.
And you also seem to be more confident with each outing….
Probably it’s due to my background and where I had come from. It gave me belief that if I can come from maidans and be here then I can go ahead in my batting or even kn life. Jab mere pass kuch nahi tha tab mein sochta tha that I can do it, now I have so many opportunities that I can do it. It gave me belief that I can fight and win.
Do you get carried away with knocks like this?
No, not at all and I can’t afford it honestly. Because, mujhe uske keemat pata hai (I know the price of it). It takes a lot of hardwork to reach here. It’s noteasy, every day I have to keep working hard. One has to put their body and mind into it and keep telling yourself, nahi, karna hai, karna hai, karna hai. I’m used to it now. I know the happiness I get if I achieve anything, but it hasn’t even started yet. I’m still running to achieve my goal of playing for India one day.
Rajasthan Royals batter Yashasvi Jaiswal celebrates his century during the IPL 2023 cricket match between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians, at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Sunday, April 30, 2023. (PTI)
The IPL brings lot of dractions and attention with it starting from a big pay cheque. How do you handle those?
No one will keep me grounded and I have to take care of myself. I have belief in myself and I’m responsible for my actions. I’m not a minor anymore, so whatever I will do from here I’m aware of it. I know where I have come from, what all I have done to get here and how to go about from here. I know that whatever I’m today is because of cricket. I love my cricket and uske (cricket) ke liye mein kuch bhi chod sakta hoon.
How do you go about your preparation?
I’m consent in whatever I do. I try and I keep trying and not think about things that are not in my control. I’m aware every day won’t be the same in cricket. It’s about the process of doing the same thing again and again. Even if you do well, you have to keep doing it again. I came to know how to train, how to keep fit once I came to Rajasthan Royals. I also understand how important it is train accordingly.
With such a high profile support staff in place, who all do you seek more for advice?
I have spoken to Sanga Sir (Sangakkara), MS (Dhoni), Virat (Kohli) and I have just tried to grab their experiences and their knowledge which will help me in future. But all those conversations will remain to myself. Lot of credit should go to Zubin sir as well, he has been an architect for molding my career in the last few years. He has been in my high and lows, he will be standing all day when I used to bat in the nets. He told me things to do on-field and off the field. It’s up to me to decide how many hours I bat, but he will be there. Those sessions where I have been able to work on my shots have been really helpful.
One six you hit off Jofra Archer was a bit like the famous Virat Kohli six against Pakan in the T20 World Cup. Was it premeditated?
My brother later told me that one shot I hit was like Virat’s one. I felt that I could hit over mid-off as the other side boundary was bigger. I felt that he would bowl a slower one, and I was ready for it.

How do you deal with the talk that you might be in the Indian team soon?
I want to stay in the present. I’m proud of myself and happy with the knock, but I have to forget this hundred here and start fresh. Even if I score a zero, I will leave it in the middle and move on to the next innings. It has been a hectic schedule so I ensure I get a good sleep before the game. Like the day before the MI game, I slept for 12 hours. It helped me recover properly. Discipline is key in sport and I just try to follow it.
How do you manage to play Trent Boult in the nets?
Since he swings the ball, I just shoulder arms most of the time. Ball milta he nahi hai bat pe.