India’s talented batsman Ishan Kishan is open to batting at any position in the batting order. Kishan didn’t get a chance to make his debut in the first T20I against England. The left-hander from Jharkhand has done in the domestic circuit as well as the IPL, which helped earn the national call-up.
The left-hander had batted at his absolute best in IPL 2020 as he had scored 516 runs in 13 innings at an impressive average of 57.33 and a blistering strike rate of 145.76. The southpaw was able to hit the ground running for the reigning champions and that performance must have given him a lot of confidence.
In fact, Kishan had smashed 173 runs off just 94 balls in the ongoing Vijay Hazare trophy against Madhya Pradesh on the day of his national selection.
Kishan understands that India’s batting order is a difficult one to get in and he is open to grab his opportunity whenever it comes.
“It’s always difficult to make it to the team, but that’s how it’s always been. I don’t mind playing anywhere, having switched between playing in the middle and top-order in my career so far,” Ishan said in an interview with Wisden as quoted by Mumbai Indians.
“I feel more confident to play under pressure and I think the various domestic formats, India A games help you do well in that situation,” he added.
On the other hand, the youngster also gave credit to Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma and the team’s Director of Cricket Operations, Zaheer Khan for guiding him on the right path.
“In the IPL it’s important to make the most of an opportunity whenever you get one. It’s the hunger and dedication to doing well that helps you get across the line,” said Ishan.
“It’s amazing to have mentors like Rohit Bhai and so many others in the dressing room, you get to learn so much and adapt your game accordingly. The Mumbai Indians stint is the bedrock of my cricket. The mentorship I received from the coaches and Rohit and Zaheer Bhai helped me,” he added.
Kishan had impressed with his pyrotechnics and he will look to grab his opportunity in the ongoing T20I series against England. The 22-year-old, who had led India to the final of the 2016 Under-19, has scored 2372 runs in 95 T20s at an average of 28.57 and a strike rate of 133.48.
