India’s wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, who spent considerable time on the bench during the ODI World Cup, utilised these moments as valuable opportunities to refine his skills under the guidance of expert coaches. Engaging in extensive batting sessions in the nets, he envisioned strategies on how to face specific bowlers in actual match situations.
The rewards of his diligent preparations became evident during the first T20I against Australia on November 24. The 25-year-old Indian batter, having done his homework alongside the country's best cricketers, including a couple of all-time greats, unleashed an onslaught. Leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha bore the brunt of Kishan's assault, conceding 30 runs off only 10 deliveries.
"During the World Cup, when I wasn't playing, I asked myself before every practice session What is important for me now. What I could do? I practised a lot in nets. I was constantly talking to the coaches about the game, and how to take the game deep. How to target certain bowlers”, Kishan said at the post-match press conference.
"Being a lefty against leg-spinner, I know how the wicket was as I had kept for 20 overs. When you are chasing 209, you need to target a bowler, who you can hit. I had a chat with Surya bhai that I'm going to take (on) this guy (Sangha) wherever he bowls because we need to get the runs and balls close”, he said.
"You can't leave too many runs for the batters at the back. It won't be easy for them to play the big shots straight away. I had to take my chances and I believed in myself," he added.
Kishan's contribution of 58 runs off 39 balls and Suryakumar Yadav's impressive 80 off 42 balls were pivotal as India successfully pursued a target of 209 with one ball remaining, securing a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Effective communication with Suryakumar, who leads the team in this series and shares a significant cricket history with Kishan in the IPL, proved crucial, especially after India lost two early wickets in the substantial chase.
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