In a season of highs and lows, Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s (RCB) Will Jacks has etched his name into IPL history with a stunning century that left fans and his teammates, including the iconic Virat Kohli, in awe. The match against Gujarat Titans at Narendra Modi Stadium was a memorable one for Jacks, who not only secured his first IPL hundred but also showcased his potential ahead of the T20 World Cup.
The Moment of Glory
Jacks recalls the pivotal moment vividly. With RCB needing just seven runs to win and Jacks at 88 not out, the atmosphere was electric. His explosive performance saw him smash Rashid Khan for consecutive sixes, bringing up his century in just 41 balls. Kohli’s reaction, a mix of disbelief and admiration, added to the occasion’s drama. “As soon as I hit that last one, I knew it was going miles,” Jacks said. The celebration with Kohli, who jumped into his arms, encapsulated the significance of the moment.
A Challenging Start
The journey to this milestone wasn’t smooth. Jacks began his IPL campaign with a series of low scores, struggling to find his rhythm. “I was gripping the bat a bit too hard,” he reflected. However, with patience and guidance from Kohli, Jacks settled into his role. Batting at No. 3, he initially scored 17 runs off his first 17 balls, facing high-quality spinners like Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, and Sai Kishore. Kohli’s strategic support during this phase was crucial, allowing Jacks to build his confidence and play more freely.
“I was gripping the bat a bit too hard,” he reflects. “I was a little bit over-eager to hit the ball hard, which is a trap I’ve fallen into. On the back of seeing all these high scores and crazy sixes, I felt like I needed to do extra when I know – or I should know – that my game is good enough.
“They do have three high-quality spinners [Rashid, Noor Ahmed and Sai Kishore] and I didn’t face a ball of seam until my 17th ball. I just needed to settle in, and Virat really helped me with that. He took ownership of the partnership and the risks while I was getting going, and made sure that we didn’t fall behind – and that I didn’t have to do something really unnecessary.”
Will Jacks talks about Virat Kohli’s aura
“When he first walked in and I first met him, that was surreal,” Jacks said. “Seeing his aura, how people look at him, the following… even if you see a footballer in public at home, it’s not like that. It’s eye-opening. Everywhere we go – all the airports, every street – the support is incredible.”
Finding Form
Jacks’ resurgence in form came just in time for RCB, winning five of the eight games he played and averaging 32.85 with an impressive strike rate of 175.57. His match-winning century against Gujarat Titans not only highlighted his ability to perform under pressure but also underscored his readiness for the international stage.
The IPL Experience
Playing in the IPL was a dream come true for Jacks, who spent years watching the tournament from home. His first season with RCB introduced him to the passionate fanbase and the immense following of cricket in India. “Everyone told me their fans were the best but now I’ve seen how crazy it is,” Jacks remarked.
Learning from Legends
The experience of playing alongside and learning from cricketing greats like Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell has been invaluable for Jacks. He particularly appreciated Maxwell’s mentorship, which helped him refine his technique against spin. The camaraderie within the team and the chance to bond with players like Cameron Green also enriched his IPL journey.
“I can’t speak highly enough of it [the team]. Everyone is willing to share their experiences,” he says. He worked closely in training with Glenn Maxwell, particularly on his method against spin, and played “a lot of golf” with him. “He’s been outstanding with me. He’s given me loads of his time.”
Looking Ahead to the T20 World Cup
With his IPL stint boosting his confidence, Jacks is set to play a crucial role for England in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Positioned to bat at No. 3, he is prepared to adapt and perform, drawing on the lessons learned during the IPL. His idol, Kevin Pietersen, who inspired Jacks during the 2005 Ashes, remains a significant influence as he aims to make his mark in international cricket.
“For an opener, coming in after the powerplay and starting against spin is different, People have said to me since I was 12 years old that I can always catch up: Stewie [Alec Stewart, Surrey’s director of cricket] always says to me, ‘If you face 50 balls, we’ll win the game.’ It might only be 30 balls at No. 3, but I’m selfless and I want to put the team in a good spot and that’s by being aggressive.”
They are traits that he shares with his idol, Kevin Pietersen. “I don’t remember ever trying to bat like anyone, but maybe he was in my head from watching him in the 2005 Ashes,” Jacks says. “I was six then: that’s the first cricket I really remember. Maybe that was ingrained in me from early on?” Jacks has met Pietersen but only sporadically. “He’s someone who I’d like to speak to a bit more.”
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