'If I was Indian selector...' - Suresh Raina makes bold statement ahead of ODI World Cup following Yashasvi Jaiswal's heroic knock against KKR in IPL 2023

Suresh Raina & Yashasvi Jaiswal (Source: Twitter)

Yashasvi Jaiswal's explosive knock helped Rajasthan Royals (RR) demolish Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Thursday, May 11, by a huge margin of nine wickets. The trajectory of the 150-run chase was determined in the first three overs when Jaiswal began the second innings with two consecutive sixes off the first two balls and eventually completing his record half-century in just 13 balls. The 21-year-old fell two runs short of a well-deserved century, but he proved to be a generational talent, helping the Royals in chasing down the target in 13.1 overs.

A win was crucial for both teams to secure a playoff berth in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, and despite losing Jos Buttler for a duck, the left-hander held his head high and broke the fastest half-century record held by Pat Cummins and KL Rahul (14 deliveries). Jaiswal has been one of the most consistent batters for the Jaipur-based franchise this season, amassing 575 runs and just one run behind the current Orange Cap holder, Faf du Plessis.

Ex-cricketers believe Jaiswal's maiden call-up to Indian team is not far away

In fact, the young man knocked on the door of the Indian cricket team selectors with his scintillating knock against KKR at Eden Gardens. Jaiswal's outstanding showing also astonished some of cricket's greats, including Suresh Raina, Brett Lee, and Virat Kohli, who praised him in an Instagram story. During his on-air stint on JioCinema during the game, former India all-rounder Raina claimed that if he were the selector, he would have included Jaiswal in the plans for the 2023 ODI World Cup.

“If I was the Indian selector, I would have signed him today itself for the World Cup because he is in a very fresh mind. He reminds me of Virender Sehwag. I'm sure Rohit Sharma will be watching this because he will be searching for batters like him for the World Cup,” the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vice-captain said.

Wow @ybj_19 ! @IPL
Get him in the the 🇮🇳 team now @BCCI ! Yashasvi Jaiswal @JioCinema

— @BrettLee_58 (@BrettLee_58) May 11, 2023

After witnessing one of the best knocks of the season so far, former Australia speedster Lee also called for the inclusion of Jaiswal in the Indian team. "Get him in the 🇮🇳 team now @Indian Cricket Board! Yashasvi Jaiswal,” Lee tweeted.