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Ishan Kishan delivered what many consider the definitive performance of his T20I career during the second match against New Zealand in Raipur. With India reeling at a precarious 6/2 while chasing a massive target of 209, the left-hander unleashed a blistering 76 off just 32 deliveries. His innings, featuring 11 boundaries and four sixes, effectively dismantled the New Zealand bowling attack and shifted the pressure entirely back onto the visitors.
Why Suryakumar Yadav was angry at Ishan Kishan?
Central to India’s successful chase was a remarkable 122-run partnership between Kishan and his captain, Suryakumar Yadav, which came off only 48 balls. This aggressive stand stabilized the innings and set a relentless pace that New Zealand’s bowlers could not contain. The partnership acted as the engine room of the Indian chase, turning a potential disaster into a comfortable path toward a seven-wicket victory.
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Ishan Kishan wasn’t giving me strike in the powerplay: Suryakumar
Suryakumar, who finished as the top scorer with an unbeaten 82 off 37 balls, shared some lighthearted frustration regarding the early stages of the chase. He admitted he was initially unhappy about not getting much strike during the powerplay, as Kishan dominated the scoring. However, the captain noted that his confidence remained high due to strong sessions in the practice nets, a rhythm that was clearly evident as he helped guide India across the finish line.
“I was angry he wasn’t giving me strike in the powerplay but I was able to get a hold of the conditions. I’ve been batting well in the nets, had a good break, and had a good practice session before the game too,” he said at the post-match presentation.
In a post-match reflection, Suryakumar offered high praise for Ishan’s extraordinary counter-attack, admitting he had rarely witnessed a performance of that nature. He expressed genuine awe at how Kishan managed to single-handedly shift the momentum, transforming India’s precarious position of 6/2 into a formidable 75 runs by the end of the powerplay.
'I have never seen someone batting that way at 6/2'
The captain’s comments highlighted the sheer impact of the left-hander's aggression, noting that such a turnaround is a rare feat against a quality bowling attack. By taking the lead in those early overs, Kishan not only rescued the innings but also provided the tactical breathing room that allowed the rest of the batting order to chase down the massive total with confidence.
“I don’t know what Ishan had in the afternoon for lunch, but I have never seen someone batting that way at 6 for 2 and ending the powerplay on 60-odd [75]. But that’s what we want for our batters to be able to express themselves,” Surya said.
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Suryakumar specifically highlighted the difficulty of bowling with a wet ball, which often makes it nearly impossible for spinners to find grip and for pacers to execute precise yorkers. Despite these environmental challenges, the bowlers' ability to remain composed and pick up timely wickets proved to be a decisive factor in keeping the target within reach for the Indian lineup.
“Incredible effort with the ball. When they were 110 for 2, I thought it would be a 230-odd total but all the bowlers chipped in and took responsibility. I am really enjoying what’s happening right now. The mood is happy in the camp and I want to keep them in that space,” he concluded.
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