Ishan Kishan stated that his Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Rohit Sharma had come up to him before his debut T20I and advised him to play without inhibitions that helped him in the match.
Ishan Kishan, 22, has said that, as a cricketer, many individuals helped him succeed. Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma has also an influence in making him comfortable ahead of his India debut.
Ishan Kishan Was Told By Rohit Sharma That He Should Open In 2nd T20I
The youngster said that it was indeed Rohit Sharma who had a word with him before the 2nd T20I against England, which India won by seven wickets on Sunday, and asked him to go out and bat without any inhibitions. Rohit Sharma asked Ishan Kishan, who was asked to open for India, to play as freely as he does in the IPL.
“As a cricketer, many people are there who play different roles to help you succeed. Rohit Bhai told me before the match that you will open, play freely as you do in the IPL. He told me to stay clear. Obviously, I was nervous when I went out there, but at the end of the day, when you see the flag of your country and you are wearing the national jersey, all you want to do is give your best,” said Ishan Kishan during a post-match press conference.
Ishan Kishan was in glorious form for Mumbai Indians during IPL 2020 as he showcased his versatility and scored 516 runs in 14 matches averaging 57.33. Ishan Kishan batted at ease after he was handed his T20I debut along with his Mumbai Indians teammate Suryakumar Yadav on Sunday in the 2nd T20I.
Ishan Kishan and Virat Kohli added 94 runs in 9 overs for the 2nd wicket in the 2nd T20I as Virat Kohli roared back to form by hitting an unbeaten 73 off 49 balls. Rohit Sharma took a rest in the first two T20Is.
Ishan Kishan: Nothing Much To Be Changed Despite 1st T20I Loss
The left-handed batsman, who scored a 32-ball 56 on his T20I debut, said that there was nothing be changed for India after the 1st T20I loss to England. According to Ishan Kishan, India just had a bad game and there were no major changes to be made.
“I think there was nothing to be changed after the first game. We had a bad game but still, you have to stick to the process which we have decided. We have to stick to our plans. There were small things which we took care of and we did not change anything from the first T20I.”
An 18-year-old Ishan Kishan rose to fame in 2016 and became a well-known household name as he led India in the U19 World Cup that year with India cricketers Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar playing under his captaincy.
“I get happy when I see the U-19 guys performing well, it is always a proud moment to see them perform. When I go out there in the middle, I always think about how I can improve myself. I just think about how I can get better with each passing day.
“As the level keeps on increasing in your cricket, there is no fixed spot for you. You keep on floating. I do not think about any number, I just do what the team requires,” Ishan Kishan said about his fellow teammates from his Under-19 days.
The five-match T20I series between India and England, with all matches in Ahmedabad, is currently level at 1-1 and the 3rd T20I will be played on Tuesday (March 16).