Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra showered praise on Ishan Kishan after the East Zone skipper scored a magnificent knock of 270 runs in the ongoing Duleep Trophy final against South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

Kishan scored a brilliant innings of 270 runs off 334 balls with the help of 30 fours and seven sixes. Thus, he played an instrumental role in helping East Zone post a gargantuan total of 708 runs on the board. This is only the third time when a score of more than 700 has been posted in Chennai in first-class cricket.

Chopra said Ishan Kishan is only behind Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel for a place in the Indian team as a wicket-keeper.

“Since he returned, he has been scoring runs. He is playing red-ball cricket as well with as much heart and passion. He is playing with commitment and patience. The methods to score runs in this cricket are slightly different, but he is not taking it lightly. There was a season in Ishan Kishan’s life when it seemed like he had gone adrift, when he was saying that he didn’t want to play this or that, and that he didn’t like sitting out,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

Chopra said Kishan is proving he is a three-format player with his consistent performances.

“However, now, when the wagon is back on track, he has understood that he shouldn’t move aside because the competition is extremely tough. Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel are confirmed in Tests. Ishan Kishan is standing behind them. He is saying that he should also be picked in all three formats,” he added.

The renowned commentator said Kishan has virtually ensured that East Zone would win the Duleep Trophy final.

“Ishan Kishan has taken them to the cleaners. Scoring 270 runs in the Duleep Trophy final and the team going past 700, you would say the game is as good as over because this match will be decided on the first-innings lead only. South is in dire straits,” he said.

South Zone are currently 83-2 after 22 overs in their first innings on the third day’s play.