Ishan Kishan explains Virat Kohli‘s selfless decision to have him bat ahead of the former Indian captain in the 2nd WI Test, following Mohammed Siraj’s impressive five-wicket haul that led India to adopt an aggressive batting mode.
The opening duo of Yasasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma raced to a 98-run partnership in just 71 balls, with Rohit scoring his fastest Test fifty. After their dismissals in quick succession, it was expected that Kohli had scored a century in the first innings.
However, in a surprising move, Ishan Kishan was sent out at No.4 instead of Kohli. The young batter later revealed the reason behind this decision and Kohli’s role in it.
Rohit’s dismissal in the 12th over, having scored 57 off 44 balls, was followed by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s departure, missing out on a half-century for the first time in the series.
Instead of the 34-year-old Kohli, it was Ishan Kishan who came in at No.4 to partner with Shubman Gill. Ishan played a scintillating knock, scoring a maiden half-century in just 34 balls, helping India declare their second innings at 181 for two.
Ishan Kishan achieved his first Test fifty against West Indies during the 2nd Test
At the end of the rain-hit Day 4, Ishan disclosed that Kohli encouraged him to bat at No.4 and play his natural game. Kohli’s support and initiative in this decision were crucial for Ishan’s successful performance.
The young batter appreciated Kohli’s call as it proved to be the right move against the slow left-arm bowler in the match. Ishan revealed that the team had planned to play 10-12 overs after the rain break and score 70-80 runs, setting a target of 370-380 for West Indies.
India ultimately set a challenging target of 365 runs for West Indies, who ended Day 4 at 76 for two, with R Ashwin claiming both wickets. The hosts still have a daunting task ahead, needing 289 runs for an improbable victory.
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