"Century wasn't on my mind, wanted to increase NRR," says Yashasvi Jaiswal after win over KKR

Yashasvi Jaiswal won the Player of the Match award for his unbeaten 98 runs in 47 balls against KKR.

Rajasthan Royals have thrashed Kolkata Knight Riders by 9 wickets at Eden Gardens. The Royals had a history-making day against KKR. Yuzvendra Chahal & Yashasvi Jaiswal had a special outing on Thursday. Yuzvendra Chahal became the leading wicket-taker in the Indian Premier League history after his 4-wicket spell against KKR. Chahal conceded 25 runs in 4 overs and picked up 4 wickets. He along with Trent Boult had a brilliant game with the bowl. Boult picked up 2 wickets in the powerplay. The Royals restricted KKR to just 149 runs. While chasing, Yashasvi Jaiswal had a blistering start. He smashed 26 runs in the first over, this set the tone for his fastest fifty in just 13 balls in the IPL. Jaiswal along with Sanju Samson (48*) completed the chase in just 13 overs. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored an unbeaten 98 in 47 balls. Jaiswal smashed 12 fours and 5 sixes in his inning.

Rana blames batters for the loss 

Along with Yuzvendra Chahal, who overtook Dwayne Bravo as the leading wicket-taker in the IPL, Yashasvi Jaiswal also became the difference between the two teams on Thursday. KKR captain Nitish Rana was disappointed after KKR’s loss and praised Yashasvi Jaiswal. Rana said, “You have to praise his innings, it was a day when he could do anything he wanted”. Nitish Rana was also disappointed with KKR’s batting performance. Nitish Rana further added, “It was a 180 wicket as I said at the toss. Our batting wasn’t great and that’s the result of us dropping 2 points”. Apart from Venkates Iyer (57), no other batter could contribute much to the Kolkata Knight Riders' total. 

'It's time to give legends tag to Chahal'

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson was happy after a special win against KKR. Talking about Jaiswal’s special knock Samson said, “I didn’t have to do anything today. Just put the bat on the ball and watch him play. We are used to it now, even the bowlers know how he goes in the power play, he enjoys batting in the powerplay”. It was also a special game for Yuzvendra Chahal. He overtook Dwayne Bravo to become the leading wicket-taker in the Indian Premier League. Chahal now has 187 wickets in 143 games. Talking about Chahal, Sanju Samson said, “I think it is time to give him the tag of legend. We are grateful to have him in the franchise. Never have to speak to him, give him the ball and he knows what to do”. Talking about RR’s chances Sanju said that they still have two more quarter-finals to play. 

Grateful for tournament like IPL - Jaiswal

Royals' opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was adjudged player of the match for his unbeaten 98 runs in 47 balls. He is one of the most inspirational characters in the world of cricket right now. Jaiswal said, “It is always in my mind to go out there and play well. It was a nice feeling today… I prepare well and I trust myself. I know the result will come… I am just grateful for a tournament like the IPL where youngsters like me can come and perform. This has been a great platform for players like me to fulfill my dreams”.

When asked if he was trying to get the century, Yashasvi Jaiswal said "I think the net run rate was the only thing in our mind, me and Sanju were only talking about finishing the game quickly".