India’s rising star Ishan Kishan recently earned his maiden call-up to the national team as he is picked for the five-match T20I series against England. 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.

Kishan, who plays for Jharkhand in the domestic circuit, also smashed 173 runs off just 94 balls in the ongoing Vijay Hazare trophy against Madhya Pradesh on the day of his national selection. Kishan was India’s Under-19 captain in the 2016 World Cup, where his team had qualified for the final, only to lose against the West Indies.

Kishan has played for Mumbai Indians in the last three years and gave credit to the franchise’s players, coaches, and owners for backing him to the hilt. The wicket-keeper batsman stated that the Mumbai Indians have always helped him push the limits and he was able to make the transition from being an Under-19 player to where he is today because of the franchise support.

Ishan Kishan said while talking to ANI, “What I have gained in the last three years at Mumbai Indians will always remain with me as the bedrock of my cricket. Difficult for me to break it down into details, but it was more of the mentorship I would reckon from the coaches, captain, and Zaheer Sir, which really helped me; and my conversations with Akash Sir, he has always shown faith in me.” 

“When I came to Mumbai Indians, I was still someone trying to figure out the transition from being a U-19 cricketer to making it to the other side as a professional. To be honest, here, the management at Mumbai Indians brought a lot of discipline in me, at times pushed me hard, and yet allowed me to express myself freely. Now when I look back, I feel this is the best that has ever happened to my game and to me personally,” Ishan Kishan added. 

Kishan also took to his social media handle and gave his gratitude to his fans. The left-handed batsman wrote that the feeling to get a national call-up is surreal.

The southpaw will look to continue the good show and he will join his Indian teammates on March 1 in Ahmedabad. Kishan would have grown in confidence after getting selected in the T20I squad and he will look to grab his opportunity if he gets his chance.

On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav, another Mumbai Indians’ product was able to make the cut into the national team.

The first T20I between India and England will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on 12th March.