Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals batter Yashasvi Jaiswal’s message to teenage sensation and his opening partner Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was simple, clear and telling — “khel bindaas.” And it perfectly summed up Rajasthan Royals’ fearless approach in their 27-run win over Mumbai Indians in a rain-hit IPL 2026 clash in Guwahati on Tuesday.Jaiswal, who smashed an unbeaten 77 off 32 balls to win the Player of the Match award, revealed how constant positive messaging between the opening pair helped dismantle one of the most formidable bowling attacks in the tournament.
“The way he has been playing is tremendous. He’s working so hard as well,” Jaiswal said after the game. “We keep having these discussions about how we can go about things. And if he’s taking on someone, I just keep giving him positive messages — you can go after him, just play freely and khel bindaas.”‘Just play your shots’The defining moment came when Sooryavanshi took on Jasprit Bumrah from the very first ball he faced, smashing him for a six. For Jaiswal, that set the tone.“First ball, he hit him for a six, and I told him to just keep playing his shots,” Jaiswal said. “Bumrah bhai is one of the legends, so if he’s scoring against him, it’s amazing. It made us feel we can take down the other bowlers as well.”Sooryavanshi’s 39 off 14 balls, featuring audacious strokeplay, allowed Jaiswal to settle into his own rhythm. The duo added a stunning 80 runs off just 30 balls, effectively putting the game beyond MI’s reach in an 11-overs-a-side contest.“That took the pressure off me, and then I could take on someone else. It was a good partnership, and we really enjoyed it,” Jaiswal added.ALSO READ: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to MI next? Ex-India cricketer’s post sparks buzzI am not the ‘bade bhaiya’, says JaiswalJaiswal also shed light on his calculated approach in the shortened game, where the powerplay lasted just three overs.“I had something in my mind because there were only three overs of powerplay. I was thinking who I can take down,” he said. “When I saw Chahar bhai, I thought I could go after him. Then Bumrah bhai came in, so I felt maybe Vaibhav can take him on while I pick others.”The left-hander stressed the importance of preparation and adaptability across formats. “It’s not easy switching formats, but I try my best every time. I work on different shots and try to understand what works on which wicket. Preparation always helps.”Despite being the senior partner, Jaiswal dismissed the idea of playing a guiding role. “I don’t think I’m the ‘bade bhaiya’. He’s amazing and understands the game very well. He’s capable to do it himself,” he said.For Jaiswal, it’s about mutual trust and freedom. “We both like to play our shots, and we keep passing positive messages to each other.”
