IPL 2023: Yashasvi Jaiswal is one of the next superstars of Indian cricket, says Robin Uthappa

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Mumbai, May 1: Former India batter Robin Uthappa has said Yashasvi Jaiswal is one of the next superstars of Indian cricket after the young Rajasthan Royals opener scored his maiden IPL century on Sunday (April 30).

Jaiswal smashed 124 off 62 balls to power Royals to 212/7 in their allotted 20 overs. The 21-year-old's knock included 16 fours and 8 sixes. His score of 124, most scored in a single game this season, also secured him the Orange Cap.

However, that knock went in vain, as MI chased down the target thanks to a 55-run knock from Suryakumar Yadav and a game-finishing performance from Tim David, who scored a quickfire 45 runs in just 14 balls.

Mumbai Indians pulled off a stellar 6-wicket win over the Rajasthan Royals in a high scoring thriller at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai to keep their IPL 2023 playoff hopes alive. RR still remain in the top four.

Despite the loss, Jaiswal, who had the most prolific scoring performance of any batter this season, was awarded the player of the match. And JioCinema TATA IPL expert Robin Uthappa praised the young opener for his knock.

"He's one of the next superstars of Indian cricket. He has shown his intent from the word go. Fearless batting and very brave with the way he approaches it. He's put in all the work this season and the hard work is finally paying off," Uthappa said.

David finished the Mumbai run chase off with three sixes in the final over to win the match with three balls to spare. JioCinema TATA IPL expert Parthiv Patel complimented David's ability as a finisher and the importance of the role in T20 cricket.

"He can perform under pressure and help them win matches. The role of a finisher is extremely important, especially when you are chasing a massive total," Patel said.

"You need a big innings in the lower order with a strong strike rate and Tim David is doing that. Under pressure, a bowler knows that Tim David has the reach and strength to punish you for any mistakes. He can hit a boundary or a six, as we saw today."

Although MI can celebrate a win that's helped them stay alive in the playoff race, Uthappa is worried about the massive cracks in their bowling that have reared its head in recent games.

"This game will make it feel like all's well with the Mumbai Indians, but it really isn't. They really need to figure out their bowling and how they finish overs because they're doing fairly decent until the 15th over," Uthappa added.

"Especially in the last three games, they were on course to defend 170, and 180, and then in the last five over something happens and they kind of lose the plot. Then they give 60, 70, 80, 90 runs in the last five overs, which is diabolical for them."

Mumbai Indians will next be in action at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium in Mohali on Wednesday (May 3) to face a confident Punjab Kings side, who pulled off a big chase against Chennai Super Kings in Chennai.