Ishan Kishan shared insights into his pivotal role during India’s last-over victory against Australia in the first T20I. Coming in early due to a run-out, Kishan, alongside Suryakumar Yadav, formed a crucial partnership. Recognizing his advantage as a left-handed batter against spinner Tanveer Sangha, Kishan aggressively targeted him, hitting consecutive boundaries.
Reflecting on his approach, Kishan emphasized the importance of brisk scoring in the middle overs to ease pressure later. He revealed a pre-game focus on strategizing with coaches and understanding how to approach specific bowlers. Noting the need to close the gap between runs and balls while chasing a formidable 209, he discussed a key conversation with Suryakumar Yadav, expressing his intention to take on a particular bowler.
Despite Sangha eventually dismissing Kishan, the damage had been done. Kishan’s quickfire fifty, a relief after 16 T20I innings without one, played a vital role. He credited the partnership with Yadav, emphasizing their communication on targeting bowlers and rotating the strike. Kishan admitted to struggling initially but capitalized on an opportunity to go after Sangha, helping India secure a 1-0 series lead.
Kishan said, “During the World Cup, when I wasn’t playing, I asked myself before every practice session ‘What is important for me now? What I could do?’ I practised a lot in nets. I was co instantly talking to the coaches about the game, how to take the game deep. How to target certain bowlers. Being a lefty against leg-spinner, I know how the wicket was as I had kept for 20 overs.”
“When you are chasing 209, you need to target a bowler, who you can hit. The communication was very important in the middle. I had a chat with Surya bhai. ‘I’m gonna take this guy (down) wherever he bowls’ because we needed the close the gap between runs and balls. You can’t leave too many runs for the batters at the back. It won’t be easy for them to play the big shots straight away. I had to take my chances and I believed in myself,” he added.
Looking ahead, Kishan expressed confidence in their plans and execution, highlighting the crucial phase when he felt India was back in the game. The series continues with the second T20I in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, with Team India holding a lead. As the series progresses, the second T20I in Thiruvananthapuram holds the promise of intensified competition between India and Australia.
With Team India holding a 1-0 lead, both sides will be eager to assert their dominance. Ishan Kishan’s impactful performance in the first match has undoubtedly boosted his confidence, and fans will be keen to see if he can continue his aggressive batting style. The battle between Kishan and Tanveer Sangha may escalate, adding an extra layer of excitement to their on-field rivalry.
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