Former Indian Star on Ishan Kishan’s Ascendance
Ishan Kishan, an Indian ODI wicketkeeper-batter, has been making every effort to maintain his position in the team. Before rescuing India against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 campaign opener in Kandy last week, he made three consecutive fifty-plus scores in the ODI series against the West Indies. The men in blue were in trouble at 66 for 4 after an unexpected top-order collapse until Kishan and vice skipper Hardik Pandya teamed up to put up a 138-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
No matter where he bats, the 25-year-old has shown his toughness under pressure. He is a dependable middle-order hitter who has excelled when used as an opener. Ishan Kishan, a wicketkeeper-batter for Gujarat Lions during the IPL seasons of 2016 and 2017, was remembered by former India cricketer Suresh Raina for the camaraderie and team spirit he provided to the group.
“I’ve always said that Ishan Kishan needs to be more transparent since he has a high moral code and fosters a positive team environment. Even back then, he put a lot of effort into his job. He talked to MS Dhoni because Dhoni is revered in Ranchi, where he is from, and everyone aspires to be like him. Additionally, Dhoni instructed me to monitor Ishan’s development as a wicketkeeper because of how he helped Jharkhand, Raina told JioCinema.
I thus informed Finch that Ishan Kishan should open, I will bat at No. 3, and you may choose the remainder of the batting order if Dwayne Smith and Brendon McCullum are not available. I recall him hitting 4-5 sixes against Mumbai Indians in one game in Rajkot, and the manner he conveyed his determination was exactly what a team needed. That’s what’s essential, just like Rishabh Pant, who never stops smiling and fosters strong team bonds,” he continued.
In less than a month, Kishan will play for the senior men’s squad in the first ODI World Cup. But first, the Pakistani bowling assault in the upcoming Asia Cup will put his batting to the test once again.
India will restart their batting on Monday from 147/2 in 24.1 overs after their Super Four match was postponed on September 10 due to rain.
