Ishan Kishan has relished his recent shift to the number three position, showcasing his adaptability and aggressive batting style in his two consecutive half-centuries against Australia in the ongoing five-match T20I series. Traditionally an opener in white-ball cricket, Kishan was moved into the middle order during the Asia Cup 2023 and has continued to bat at number three in the current series.
Ishan Kishan has demonstrated his versatility, scoring 58 runs in Vishakhapatnam in the first T20I, including a quickfire 30 runs off just 10 deliveries from leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha. In the second T20I, Kishan continued his aggressive approach, contributing a quick 52 off 32 balls, helping India reach a formidable total of 235/4. His partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad, who also scored a half-century, laid the foundation for India’s substantial total.
Kishan expressed his enjoyment of batting at number three, emphasizing that it allows him to assess the game situation and adapt his batting accordingly.
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“I think it’s fun batting at opening and first down at the same time. Because, you know, at least you know the situation when you are batting at one down. You know what game you have to play, what situation it is. Because initially, it was not easy for the batsman to go in and start rotating the strike,” Ishan Kishan said.
He also highlighted the importance of communication with his batting partner, Ruturaj Gaikwad.
“Like I also struggled a bit in the beginning. But you know, the communication was very good with Rutu as we were targeting bowlers. And at the same time, when I did not feel like going to a certain bowler, I asked him to go for it. So that is what makes the team different when you communicate pretty good in the middle and you know you target bowlers,” added Ishan Kishan.
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Kishan’s adaptability and aggressive batting style have made him a valuable asset to the Indian team, and his recent success at number three suggests that he is embracing this new role with enthusiasm.
