“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.
Special 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.
India vs Australia, 2nd T20I: Australia lose two quick wickets chasing 236
(With inputs from PTI)