Leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to an unprecedented chase of a 200-plus target in the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Will Jacks unveiled how his senior counterpart Virat Kohli mentored him through the early phase of his innings, offering insights on handling spin.
Jacks’ scintillating century, a blistering 100 not out off a mere 41 deliveries, propelled RCB to a resounding nine-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans, with 24 balls to spare, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. His stellar performance, coupled with an unbroken 166-run partnership alongside Kohli, breathed new life into RCB's playoff aspirations.
"Virat really supported me during my initial 15 deliveries where I was finding it tough, displaying the positive intent we had discussed earlier. It was really commendable from him, keeping us ahead," Jacks revealed to RCB teammate Cameron Green on the IPL website.
"He provided me with valuable tips on facing spin. His insights into reading Rashid Khan well and countering him effectively were instrumental for me. His wealth of experience is truly remarkable, and batting alongside him was a tremendous learning experience. I consider myself fortunate to have shared such a partnership with him."
"Initially, I felt a bit jittery, but connecting with one shot eased the nerves, and confidence surged instantly. From there on, our focus was to seize control of the game. In the final two overs, it was all about enjoying the moment. Virat kept encouraging me, urging me to keep going without restraint. The thought of a century never crossed my mind until I glanced up, with seven runs needed, I was on 88. It was surreal to transition from struggling to connect to feeling invincible," Jacks recounted.
After enduring a streak of six consecutive defeats, RCB bounced back emphatically with back-to-back wins in their last two outings. The 25-year-old believes that RCB has now gathered significant momentum with these successive victories.
"Following a narrow defeat and now securing two consecutive wins, we're gaining momentum. We still have a chance. Our recent performances showcase our capabilities. If we manage to win all four remaining games, we can embark on a winning streak that could define our tournament journey. Sneaking into the fourth spot with strong form could be the turning point," Jacks expressed.
Jacks' onslaught, smashing six sixes and two boundaries off the final ten deliveries he faced, propelled him to a 41-ball century, much to the delight of Kohli at the opposite end. "You scored your next 50 runs in just 10 balls, from 31 balls to a half-century and then to a century in 41 balls. The latter half of the innings belonged to you entirely. I was a bit frustrated that I couldn't hit the first one for a six in the 16th over, but when I saw you on 94 with just one run needed, I was relieved that I didn't," Kohli shared with Jacks in the dressing room, cracking 70 off 44 deliveries himself.
Recalling a crucial moment in the match, Jacks remarked, "I called for two runs, but when I glanced back, Virat was poised for a third. That's when I decided to clear the ropes with every ball since I wasn't keen on running anymore. That was our secret plan. Brilliant!" Kohli jestingly added, "It was scorching out there!"
Glenn Maxwell, patiently waiting for his turn amid the Jacks-Kohli spectacle, couldn't help but marvel at the display of power-hitting. "I haven't been this ecstatic in a while. Watching cricket hasn't thrilled me this much in ages. And I haven't been this happy for a teammate in a long time. Knowing that he endured the scorching heat, fielded first, and then smashed the best spinner in the world for numerous sixes, that's simply remarkable. A century off 41 balls, and what did they end up with, 166 off 74, outstanding," Maxwell exclaimed.
The match-winning partnership also brought joy to head coach Andy Flower on his birthday. "Thank you for the wonderful gift, guys. What a birthday treat! As a cricketer, and now as an ex-cricketer, witnessing Jacks' power-hitting and Virat's sheer class was an absolute pleasure," Coach Flower expressed gratefully.
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