Kishan, who made his Test debut against the West Indies, struck a T20-style half-century in the drawn second Test in Trinidad, when the need of the hour was to score swiftly and set an intimidating target for the hosts.
The fact that India scored at 7.54 runs per over on Day 4 of the second Test (they declared at 181/2 in 24 overs) piqued the interest of experts, who asked Ishan during the post-match press conference if this was the way India would play Tests in the future, similar to England, whose aggressive style of play has been dubbed “Bazball.”
“It’s not necessary that everyday you come in and start playing fast cricket. That should depend on the situation. The condition of the pitches also plays a role in how quickly one can score runs,” said Kishan, who was promoted in the batting order to score quick runs on the fourth day of the second Test.
Kishan hit a 34-ball 52 to help India set a 365-run target for the West Indies, but rain hampered India’s clean sweep chances of the two-match series on the fifth and final day on Sunday.
“Mostly, where we play, wickets are not that easy…there is turn and bounce. So, playing quick on those surfaces there is no point because you need to read the wicket properly.
“If you get a wicket where you can score quick runs and the need of the hour is to do that, then every player in the (Indian) team has the capability to perform that role.
“The kind of players we have and the number of formats and matches that we play, everyone knows his role — which match one has to play in what manner. So, personally, I feel, every match we don’t need to play like that (score quickly), but it should be situation-based.”
Ishan Kishan’s journey so far
Kishan’s journey has been one of patience and perseverance, requiring him to bide his time and wait for opportunities to present themselves in all three formats of the game.
Asked how he dealt with the waiting game and whether it was frustrating to be sitting out and dealing with disappointments, the young cricketer said “I think every individual is different . It might be frustrating for some, but someone else can take it as a challenge… that ‘I am not doing enough to get to that level’.
“I appreciate it if someone else gets selected in the side and performs because I know how tough this game is, how you are tested mentally, how difficult it is to give that performance when there is so much expectation and pressure.
“So, I make an effort whenever I’m off or not playing so that I concentrate on my practice and prepare myself so that whenever I get the opportunity, I give my best.”
‘Pant gave me some good points at NCA’
Kishan stated that Rishabh Pant, the man he replaced in the India Test squad for the West Indies tour, provided him with helpful advice during his time at the National Cricket Academy.
Pant is presently undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA following a tragic car crash in December of last year.
“He knows me from my U-19 days… how I play, how I think, so we keep interacting. What I think he needs to do to improve I tell him and the same is the case with him. He also tries to help me and ensure I give it my best shot on a tour. And I am very thankful that he gave me some good points at the NCA.”
“Obviously, he has done very well in Tests, and the number at which we bat…Rishabh bats, it is very important for us to understand the situation. If four wickets fall quickly and a partnership is required then we cannot play that fast-scoring game.
“Overall, we need to keep the match in mind… what we need to do at that point in time because it is a five-day game and the last day is very important. And, planning and execution is the most important aspect in Test cricket.”
Rohit knows how to deal with youngsters
Kishan believes skipper Rohit Sharma‘s experience and the way he manages the young players provides them confidence and a “comfort zone” in which to play with a clear head.
“He is a very experienced captain. He gives his best, how to keep players in their comfort zone, and don’t let pressure get the better of players.
“In fact, when I came out to bat (in the second innings at Port of Spain), he said ‘play your game, plan your innings and don’t think who has said what’.
“For a youngster, that is a huge plus point that the captain has faith in you, that I can handle the situation.”
(With inputs from PTI)
