NEW DELHI: Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal's blistering 53 off 25 balls played a pivotal role in India's commanding 44-run victory over Australia in the second T20I on Sunday. After the match, Jaiswal revealed that his mantra for success is to be "fearless" and play his natural game.
"It's really special for me. I was trying to play all my shots. I was trying to be fearless as I was sure of my decisions," said the player of the match during the post-match presentation.
'I am still learning'
Jaiswal credited the team's support staff, with head coach VVS Laxman and captain Suryakumar Yadav backing him to play his style of cricket.
"I have been told by Surya bhai and VVS sir to go and play freely. I have been asked to express myself. For me, I think I can develop (as a cricketer) and I am not thinking about anything else. I am still learning," he added.
The left-handed opener emphasised his commitment to improving all facets of his game, highlighting the importance of mental preparation at the international level.
"I am trying to develop all my shots. The mental stuff is something I am working on as it is important at this level."
Here's why Jaiswal said 'sorry' to Ruturaj
Jaiswal took a moment to address an earlier mix-up that led to the run-out of his opening partner Ruturaj Gaikwad in the first T20I.
"It was my mistake in the last game, and I said sorry to Rutu bhai. I accepted that it was my mistake. Rutu bhai is so humble and very caring," he expressed.
1/10:2nd T20I: Jaiswal, Kishan help India thrash Australia to go 2-0 up
ANI
2/10:Jaiswal's explosive innings
Young India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed a 25-ball 53 with fearless shot-making.PTI
3/10:Kishan's impactful contribution
Ishan Kishan's 52 off 32 deliveries pushed India's total to a mammoth 235/4 after being invited to bat first.AFP
4/10:Bishnoi, Krishna shine with the ball
Spinner Ravi Bishnoi and fast bowler Prasidh Krishna took three wickets each as the hosts kept Australia down to 191/9.PTI
5/10:Australia's struggle in the chase
<p>In reply, Australia fell to 58/4 including Steve Smith (19), previous-match centurion Josh Inglis (two) and Glenn Maxwell (12) back in the dug-out.</p>AP
6/10:David and Stoinis fight back
Tim David, who smashed 37, and Stoinis, who hit 45 off 25 balls, attempted to hit back in their partnership of 81 as the two hit six fours and six sixes between them.AFP
7/10:Bishnoi breaks the partnership
Ravi Bishnoi broke the stand with his leg-spin to dismiss Tim David who mistimed a hit to long-on.AFP
8/10:Wade's late heroics
Skipper Matthew Wade struck an unbeaten 42 off 23 balls to reduce the margin of loss for Australia.AFP
9/10:India's commanding lead in the series
With the convincing 44-run win, India extended their lead to 2-0 in the five-match series against Australia.AFP
10/10:Australia's struggles continue
"We're making the right decisions but aren't executing in the right moments," Australia coach Andre Borovec said.AFPSpecial praise for Rinku from the skipper
Captain Suryakumar Yadav praised the team's collective responsibility, making his leadership role easier against a formidable opponent like Australia.
"The boys are not putting too much pressure on me. They are taking onus. I told them to be prepared to bat first here."
Yadav also commended the maturity displayed by Rinku Singh in the death overs, drawing a parallel to the legendary MS Dhoni.
"When I saw Rinku come in to bat in the last game, the composure he showed was brilliant. It reminded me of someone. Everyone knows the answer," he concluded, subtly pointing to the iconic Dhoni.
(With inputs from PTI)
