Former New Zealand fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan praised Yashasvi Jaiswal for the calm, adaptable batting that helped Rajasthan Royals complete a successful chase versus Punjab Kings in the ongoing Indian Premier League on Tuesday in New Chandigarh. With the Royals lining up a demanding target, they initially looked explosive thanks to a sharp start from young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Still, it was Jaiswal’s composed batting—measured and responsive—that kept the innings balanced and stable as the chase progressed.
McClenaghan stressed that Jaiswal’s biggest strength in that chase was how he read the situation and altered his approach accordingly. By doing so, he allowed his opening partner to express himself in his natural attacking style, and only then stepped up with authority when the match required him to take more control.
“Yashasvi Jaiswal is showing great maturity for someone so young. He’s batting in that partnership like a seasoned campaigner—he understands when to ease back and let Vaibhav Sooryavanshi play his shots freely. What really stands out is his ability to adapt. When the moment calls for it, he shifts gears and takes charge of the innings. That creates an ideal blend between the two batters—almost like a yin-yang combination—and the chemistry at the top is working beautifully for Rajasthan Royals,” McClenaghan said.
McClenaghan then looked ahead to the next fixture, highlighting the upcoming contest between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad. He suggested that MI may have to make a tactical tweak due to the likely unavailability of a key all-round option, pointing to the possibility of bringing in Will Jacks as a ready-made solution.
“With Mitchell Santner out of the picture, Mumbai Indians will need to consider someone like Will Jacks, who brings value with both bat and ball. He’s a strong option against a player like Abhishek Sharma, particularly because of his off-spin, while also giving MI extra depth in the batting. Whether he comes at No. 3 or plays lower down the order, he offers flexibility and impact—something MI will need, especially when facing a tough SRH side at Wankhede,” he added.
Mumbai Indians will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, before travelling to Chennai to play their arch-rivals, Chennai Super Kings.
