The young Indian opener, Ishan Kishan reckons that facing some of the best fast bowlers in IPL gave him the confidence to play fearlessly against England on his India debut. His flamboyant knock of 32-ball 56 at the top laid the platform for India’s comfortable and successful chase in the second T20 International (T20I) on Sunday night. The 22-year-old southpaw acknowledged the contribution the IPL stint has made in his growth as a batsman.
During a virtual press conference, Ishan Kishan said, “It obviously helped (to face the likes of Mumbai Indians teammates Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah) in the nets. They are very pacy bowlers and to hit shots against them gives confidence. In IPL you get to face quality bowlers from across the world and you start getting used to these bowlers. And I think that really helped me.”
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Kishan also said that the team management had supported him to play his natural game without feeling the pressure.
Ishan Kishan explained, “Before the match, I was told to go and open the innings and play freely the way I play in IPL. I was told not to take extra pressure. But it is my first game I was a little nervous while going to the ground. But when you wear the jersey of your country that pressure simply goes away and you try to give your best.”
The debutant was in awe of Virat Kohli during their 94-run partnership and hopes to pick the brain of India skipper during the five-match series.
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Talking about his partnership with Kohli, Ishan Kishan said, “It was a proud feeling for me because I had just seen him (Kohli) on TV, his attitude on the ground, but to see it from the other end is totally different. I think it is something which I can change in myself, his energy, his appearance on the ground, there is a lot to learn from him. The way he talks in the ground it takes pressure from you. I just want to make sure that I learn a lot from him in this series.”
