Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
‘Gen Bold’—a special show on JioHotstar—gives viewers an unfiltered peek into the minds of India’s bold, fearless, and talented next-gen stars from the TATA IPL. In an exclusive episode, Rajasthan Royals’ dynamic opener Yashasvi Jaiswal shared deep insights into his cricketing journey, the mindset that drives him, and the people who’ve played a pivotal role in shaping him as a cricketer. Speaking on his journey and mental preparation across seasons of the TATA IPL, Jaiswal said: “I have a lot of faith in myself—my game, my thoughts, and my abilities. Ultimately, it’s my responsibility to take my career forward, and I know how hard I need to work. Cricket demands a lot of sacrifices, but people only notice them when you achieve something or perform well. For me, if I want to succeed, I need to work hard in every aspect—whether it’s practice, training, diet, or mindset. When you put in the effort day and night, stay consistent, and keep pushing yourself, the results will eventually follow. My focus has always been on preparation, maintaining the right mindset, and believing in myself. Cricket takes time, but if you do the right things, success will come."
Jaiswal also reflected on his blitzkrieg performance against Mumbai Indians in 2023 where he scored a century, he said: “That day was special. I approached it with the same mindset I always have—trusting my preparation and believing that I could do it. And when I achieved it, I felt immense gratitude. I especially want to thank Rajasthan Royals for the way they have nurtured me over the years. I’ve been with them for six years, and they have always taken great care of me. Throughout my TATA IPL journey, I’ve learned a lot from my senior players. I’ve gained valuable insights into how to evolve my game, where I can improve, and what adjustments I need to make. I’m enjoying every moment, and I’m sure the journey ahead will be amazing. More than anything, I would love to keep entertaining the fans.”
Playing for India has taught me the importance of adaptability: Yashasvi Jaiswal
Reflecting on his recent experience with Team India before returning to the TATA IPL this season, Jaiswal said: “I have learned a lot. Indian cricket and the TATA IPL offer completely different experiences. Representing the country comes with its own unique challenges, while the TATA IPL provides a distinct competitive environment. However, both formats present valuable learning opportunities. Playing under pressure across various formats—Test cricket, One-Day cricket, and T20—has taught me the importance of adaptability. The key takeaway for me has been to remain flexible, stay aware, and adjust to different situations as they arise. I am thoroughly enjoying the journey and continuously striving to evolve as a player.”
Jaiswal also delved into how he approaches different formats and game scenarios and added, “I believe it all comes down to your mindset, experience, and understanding of the game, as well as how much you prioritize the team. For me, the key question is always: What does my team need at this moment? Based on that, I shape my approach and play in a way that benefits the team. If the situation demands that I score 15 runs off six balls, I will go for it. If I need to play 50 balls and score 10 runs, I can do that as well. During practice, I create different match scenarios in my mind—how to chase a target, how to rotate the strike, and how to adapt to various situations. At the international level, there is a lot of emphasis on putting the team first, batting according to the team’s needs, and adjusting your game accordingly. Preparing for that requires significant mental conditioning as well. So, for me, it's about continuously understanding and refining my approach to the game.”
I really appreciate our camaraderie—we enjoy spending time together: Jaiswal showers praise on Sanju Samson
He also spoke fondly about his camaraderie with Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson. “We have known each other for a long time, and I have been with him since I was a kid. I really appreciate our camaraderie—we enjoy spending time together, and it’s always fun playing alongside him. The way he talks, his style—it’s great to be around him. Of course, we are looking forward to this season, and I hope we will enjoy it just as much this year,” the RR opener said.
Sharing his admiration for Team India head coach Rahul Dravid, Jaiswal added, “I think he is an amazing leader—supportive, caring, and always looking out for everyone. He instills confidence in players, assuring them that they are in the right space and providing the right guidance, which is crucial for both individual careers and the team as a whole. He is also an incredible human being. Having someone like Rahul Dravid Sir in this era is a privilege and seeing him up close is an opportunity to learn—not just about cricket, but also about the way he carries himself off the field. He has maintained such grace and composure over the years, and there is so much to absorb from him. I am truly excited to be here with him and look forward to enjoying this TATA IPL season alongside him.”
Jaiswal concluded by crediting the Rajasthan Royals Academy for being a key part of his growth, “When I joined the Rajasthan Royals Academy, I worked very hard on my cricket, learning new shots and refining my game. The academy has a strong reputation for developing players, providing a great environment to grow, train, and gain valuable match experience. As I mentioned, Rajasthan Royals’ structure plays a crucial role for young players. It offers them a year-round platform to play, learn from the best, and enjoy their cricket.”
(With Inputs from Press Release)
