Indian batter Ishan Kishan played a brilliant knock against South Africa in the first T20I on Thursday at the Arun Jaitely Stadium. He slammed 76 runs to take India to 211 runs in the first innings. However, on the back of David Miller and Rassie Van Der Dusseen’s partnership, the visitors chased it down comfortably.
Ishan Kishan opened the innings along with Ruturaj Gaikwad. He struggled to get going initially and was beaten a few times. But, Ishan Kishan continued to take on the opposition bowlers. He got India off to a brilliant powerplay and quickly raced to 76 runs off just 47 balls. In the thirteenth over, he was sent back to the pavilion by Keshav Maharaj.
Despite Ishan Kishan’s brilliant innings, the opener is not likely to open the innings for India in the format once KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma return back. Rohit Sharma has been rested for the series, while KL Rahul suffered an injury and was ruled out.
Setting the stage on fire, @ishankishan51 hammered 76 & was #TeamIndia's top performer in the first innings. 👍 👍 #INDvSA | @Paytm
A summary of his knock 🔽 pic.twitter.com/3qUAZZKPf3
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 9, 2022
Speaking about the opening slot, Ishan Kishan said in the post-match press conference,
“I think they (Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul) are world-class players and I won’t ask for my support when they are there in the team. So my job here is to give my best in the practice session. Whenever I get my opportunity, I have to prove myself or do well for the team. So I focus more than that about my process about what I have to do here.”
Whenever I get my chance, I will give my best: Ishan Kishan
Wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan further expressed that Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul have been top performers for India. He added that he cannot expect the team to drop the duo to accommodate him. Ishan stated that his job is to give his best, whenever the opportunity arises.
“They have done so much. You know, scored so many runs for our country. I can’t ask them to drop them and make me play in the first place. Yeah I’ll keep doing my thing it’s up to selectors or other coaches whatever they think but my job is to you know just whenever I get my chance I will give my best,” said Ishan Kishan.
The Indian team will take on South Africa in the second T20I on Sunday, June 12 in Cuttack. South Africa is leading the five-match T20I series 1-0.
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