Indian batter Ishan Kishan has revealed that personal milestones take the backburner after the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. Kishan scored a blistering knock of 103 runs off just 43 balls with the help of six fours and 10 sixes in the fifth T20I against New Zealand. 

The left-hander scored his runs at a blistering strike rate of 239.53 and played an instrumental role in helping India post a mammoth total of 271 runs on the board. The southpaw scored 215 runs in four matches of the series at an average of 53.75.

Kishan kept playing with an aggressive approach throughout his innings and took New Zealand bowlers to the cleaners.

Kishan, who was awarded Player of the Match, said in the post-match presentation, “I think that’s the mindset of everyone in our team now. Even if you’re close to a milestone, it doesn’t really matter. If you start taking singles at that stage, you might feel later that you missed an opportunity to go big. So if the ball is there to hit, you have to go for it. The focus is on winning matches, not personal milestones.”

The left-hander said the focus is on the World Cup and he wants to carry his rich form in the marquee event.

Kishan said, “I still feel I’m not there yet. Yes, I’ve done well and I’m getting these awards, but my focus is firmly on the World Cup. That’s where the extra effort is needed. What’s important is carrying this form forward and continuing to contribute there.”

Asked about his knock, Kishan concluded, “I felt the ball was doing a bit early on, but batting alongside Abhishek Sharma really helps. You see his intent, you understand the momentum the team needs, and then you just try to watch the ball and play accordingly. That approach worked well for me today.”

India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against the USA on February 7.