During the IPL 2022 mega auction that was held in February, Indian wicket-keeper batsman Ishan Kishan had grabbed all major headlines. He became the most expensive purchase at the two-day auction with Mumbai Indians splurging a whopping Rs. 15.50 crores to reclaim his services. Prior to his signature, the five-time IPL champions had never spent over Rs. 10 crores on a single player.

Ishan Kishan, who was back amidst familiar faces, had begun the season in sensational style. He registered half-centuries in his first couple of appearances before his form faded. After 11 matches so far this season, the dynamic opening batter has managed only 321 runs at an average of 32.10 and a strike rate of 117.15.

Ishan Kishan’s strike rate of 117.15 is perhaps, the most shocking form about his game. Known to be a trail-blazing batsman in the mould of Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant, Ishan has been slow to get off the blocks this season which has affected his game.

He will be next seen in action when Mumbai Indians take on Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium. They are the only two teams to win the IPL title more than twice in the history of the league but both have been quite underwhelming this season.

Ahead of the match, Ishan Kishan spoke to the press and downplayed the overt criticism directed towards his performances.

“Sir, I don’t check what people are saying. From the outside, you can say anything you want because you are not in the players’ situations. It’s easy to pick up your phone and write something. I don’t get bothered by what people comment on social media. If they get joy in writing such stuff, then let it be. I don’t get bothered,” he said while responding to a question.

With the tag of the most expensive purchase in the Indian Premier League auction, there was always going to be additional pressure. The 23-year-old did not deny that the sum has gotten to his head but he has also mentioned that he has received support from senior players in Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya who have asked him to focus on his game, and not the price tag.

“When I spoke to Rohit bhai, or even to Virat Kohli bhai during the game against RCB and Hardik bhai, everyone told me the same thing ‘you don’t have to think about the price tag’ because it’s not something I have asked for. The team had belief in me, so they did spend the money.”