A Short Video From Rahul Dravid Sir Motivated Us: Yashasvi Jaiswal

What an incredible day it was for batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal of the Indian Cricket Team in the U19 World Cup on Wednesday. The flamboyant batsman showed his class by slamming a brilliant century against Pakistan U-19, to see his side enter the finals of the tournament. Jaiswal spoke about how he prepared for the game by speaking to his coach, Wasim Jaffer and by watching an old video of Rahul Dravid.

Chasing 173, Indian openers Jaiswal and Divyansh Saxena played cautiously and stitched an unbeaten partnership of 176 runs. Jaiswal, the left-handed batsman, scored his maiden century of the tourney as he amassed unbeaten 105 runs studded with eight fours and four sixes.

On the other side, Saxena scored 59* off 99 balls including six fours. India chased down the total in 35.2 overs. This is the first time in the history of the U19 World Cup that a team won a knockout match by ten wickets.

Rahul Dravid’s words motivate us: Yashasvi Jaiswal

Earlier, India pacers Kartik Tyagi and Sushant Mishra shared five wickets between them while leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi shone to restrict Pakistan to 172. Jaiswal also got the big wicket of Pakistan opener Haider Ali, halting a dangerous stand with captain Rohail Nazir.

“Paras Mhambrey sir ensured that everyone took this like any other game. We watched a short video from Rahul (Dravid) sir who motivated us and his words helped us a lot. He said, ‘remember that cricket is played in those 22 yards. Just take it like any other game and keep our focus,” Jaiswal told Indian Express after his innings.

The atmosphere was amazing: Yashasvi Jaiswal

Jaiswal also spoke about his record 176-run partnership – the highest opening stand in the current edition of the tournament as well as the highest ever in any U-19 World cup semi-final – with fellow left-hander Saxena. He also spoke about the conversation he had with Jaffer where he was asked to treat the game as a normal game and play as per the situation.

“This was the first time I experienced what an India versus Pakistan game means. The atmosphere was amazing, people chanting and screaming ‘India, India’. It was a totally different experience. Twice during the tournament, I got out after being set, so I told myself that today I will play over by over. (Divyaansh) Saxena was batting well at other end and it helped ease the pressure off me,” he further added.

Jaiswal has been in sublime form in the tournament, averaging an incredible 156 in five matches. His lowest score is an unbeaten 29 and he has scored a half-century or more in every other match, being dismissed only twice.

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