Rajasthan Royals’ Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara has credited former England captain Joe Root for mentoring young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, shaping him into one of the most consistent and explosive batters in IPL 2025. Speaking after the Royals’ end-of-season review meeting, Sangakkara highlighted the special bond between Root and Jaiswal, affectionately called “Joeswal” by RR fans.
How Joe Root Transformed Jaiswal’s Game
Sangakkara explained that Root’s impact went far beyond tactical suggestions:
“Joe Root is a master of reading the game. His calm presence and technical mastery gave Yashasvi the confidence to construct his innings better. They spent countless hours discussing how to counter different bowlers and conditions. Joe taught him how to adapt his natural aggression with calculated restraint.”
Root, who joined Rajasthan Royals as a marquee overseas batter in IPL 2023, played a dual role as mentor and senior professional, frequently seen shadow batting with Jaiswal in training and simulating match situations.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s IPL 2025 Performance Overview
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | 100s | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 682 | 48.71 | 159.2 | 6 | 1 | 114* |
Jaiswal ended IPL 2025 as the third-highest run scorer, showing remarkable consistency against both pace and spin. Analysts attributed his improvement to enhanced shot selection, adaptability against wrist spinners, and a calm head under pressure.
Root’s Mentorship Approach
Root focused on three key aspects while mentoring Jaiswal:
- Shot Selection Discipline: Helping him understand when to attack and when to rotate strike, especially in powerplay versus middle overs.
- Spin Mastery: Teaching subtle changes in footwork to dominate spin without risky aerial shots.
- Mental Clarity: Sharing his experience of handling pressure situations in Tests and ODIs to strengthen Jaiswal’s mindset for crucial matches.
Sangakkara said:
“Root always believed in empowering youngsters with knowledge. For Jaiswal, Joe became an elder brother figure, someone he could talk to about batting doubts without hesitation.”
The Birth of ‘Joeswal’: Fans’ Favourite Duo
The term “Joeswal” went viral after fans noticed their on-field camaraderie. Whether it was Root applauding from the dugout after Jaiswal’s aggressive fifty against Gujarat Titans or Jaiswal publicly thanking Root after his century against CSK, their mutual respect inspired RR’s dressing room culture.
Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2025 Season Summary
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| League Standing | 3rd |
| Matches Won | 9 |
| Matches Lost | 5 |
| Playoffs Outcome | Lost in Qualifier 2 |
| Leading Run Scorer | Yashasvi Jaiswal (682 runs) |
| Leading Wicket Taker | Trent Boult (21 wickets) |
Although the Royals fell short of the final after losing Qualifier 2 to Kolkata Knight Riders, Sangakkara insisted their campaign was a success due to the development of players like Jaiswal under Root’s mentorship.
Joe Root’s Role Beyond Batting
Root also worked closely with the Royals’ young middle-order batters, sharing inputs on:
- Playing late against express pace
- Maintaining a calm body language under sledging pressure
- Developing a Test-match style defence for tough T20 phases
Sanju Samson, RR captain, shared:
“Joe Root is a world-class batter and an even better human being. His presence boosted our dressing room morale. Youngsters like Jaiswal, Parag, and Padikkal gained immensely from him.”
Expert Opinions on Jaiswal’s Growth
Former India coach Ravi Shastri said:
“Yashasvi has always been talented. What you see now is maturity – picking gaps, playing risk-free sixes, and knowing how to construct an innings. This is where mentoring by seniors like Root becomes invaluable.”
Australian legend Shane Watson praised Jaiswal’s footwork against spin as “elite-level T20 technique developed under quality guidance.”
Jaiswal’s Thoughts on Root’s Mentorship
After his century against CSK, Jaiswal publicly credited Root:
“Joe bhai taught me how to keep my head still and look at the ball till the last second. His advice on reading spinners’ wrists early helped me hit clean sixes. He always says, ‘Trust your basics, then dominate’.”
Their camaraderie was also visible in training videos posted by RR, where Root was seen bowling off-spin to Jaiswal to simulate match scenarios.
Rajasthan Royals’ Focus on Mentorship Culture
The Royals’ management, under Sangakkara, has built a strong mentorship culture, pairing young Indian batters with overseas stars to fast-track their development. Other notable mentor-mentee pairings include:
| Mentor | Mentee | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Jos Buttler | Riyan Parag | Power-hitting and finishing |
| Trent Boult | Kuldeep Sen | New ball swing and yorker accuracy |
| Adam Zampa | Kuldip Yadav | Wrist spin variations and field placements |
| Joe Root | Yashasvi Jaiswal | Technique, footwork, and mental strength |
This model has helped RR develop domestic talent into match-winners while benefiting from global experience.
Root’s Future with RR
With IPL 2026 auctions approaching, RR is expected to retain Root not just for his playing ability but also his mentorship value. Sangakkara confirmed:
“Joe is integral to our plans. Whether as a player or mentor, he brings immense value to RR’s culture.”
National Impact: Jaiswal Cementing India Spot
Jaiswal’s IPL 2025 performance and maturity have strengthened his position as India’s first-choice T20 opener alongside Shubman Gill. His consistent run-making, improved spin game, and fearless approach have made him a vital asset for India’s T20 World Cup 2026 plans.
Conclusion
Joe Root’s mentorship of Yashasvi Jaiswal underlines how global cricketing wisdom, when shared selflessly, creates transformative results. The Joeswal story is not just about an overseas player guiding a local youngster but about building bridges of knowledge, respect, and ambition that strengthen teams, franchises, and national cricket futures.
Disclaimer: This report is based on team interviews, player statements, and performance analyses. It does not express personal opinions or betting recommendations.
