Yashasvi Jaiswal torn apart by IPL legend for 'irresponsible' batting vs KKR

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa slammed Rajasthan Royals (RR) batter Yashasvi Jaiswal for failing to capitalize on his start during the IPL 2025 match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Uthappa stated that Jaiswal missed the opportunity to take responsibility after spending a tough time at the crease.

Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 29 off 24 balls, including two sixes and two fours, in an eight-wicket loss to the Knight Riders in Guwahati on March 26. He was dismissed in the ninth over while attempting a big shot. Jaiswal formed stands of 33 runs and 34 runs with Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag, respectively.

Yashasvi Jaiswal Was a Set Batter - Robin Uthappa

Speaking on Jio Hotstar, Robin Uthappa said that Yashasvi Jaiswal failed to capitalize on his start on a challenging pitch. Uthappa added that Jaiswal had an opportunity to take responsibility and guide his team to a competitive total but failed to do so.

“This was an opportunity for him to take on the responsibility and guide his team through. He was a set batter on a pitch that wasn't the easiest for batting," said Uthappa on Jio Hotstar.

“When I say that, I mean in comparison to the high-scoring surfaces we see today, especially with the impact player rule allowing teams to field up to eight specialist batters, plus an all-rounder, effectively giving them nine batting options. With that depth, batters have the freedom to attack, but reading the conditions and match situation is crucial. Unfortunately, Yashasvi didn't do that today," he added.

Kolkata Knight Riders Chased Down 152-Run Target With 15 Balls to Spare

Kolkata Knight Riders comfortably chased down the 152-run target, with Quinton de Kock playing a match-winning knock of 97* off 61 balls, smashing eight boundaries and six sixes.

Moeen Ali, who replaced the unwell Sunil Narine, opened the innings alongside de Kock. However, Ali struggled to score and was run out for five off 12 balls after a mix-up.

De Kock finished the game in style, hammering Jofra Archer for a four and two sixes in the 18th over. Youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi scored an unbeaten 22 runs off 17 balls.

For Rajasthan Royals, stand-in skipper Riyan Parag bowled an economical spell, conceding just 25 runs in his four overs but failing to take a wicket.

Yashasvi Jaiswal Retained by RR Ahead of IPL 2025 Auction

Rajasthan Royals retained Yashasvi Jaiswal for ₹18 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 auction following his impressive performances in the previous season. He scored 435 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 155.91, registering one century and a half-century.

Jaiswal has been a key player for RR, amassing 1637 runs in 55 matches at a strike rate of 149.36, including two centuries and nine fifties.

Jaiswal scored only one run in RR’s opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where they fell short in a massive 287-run chase. The Royals have endured a tough start to their campaign, suffering back-to-back defeats against SRH and Kolkata Knight Riders by 44 runs and eight wickets, respectively.

Also read: "If Jofra Archer doesn't evolve"- England pacer threatened over Rajasthan Royals' spot