Young wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan has disclosed that Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli supported his promotion to the number 4 spot in the ongoing Test match against West Indies at Port of Spain. On Day 4, Ishan was elevated to bat at the prestigious number 4 position, which is Kohli’s usual spot, and the left-hander delivered brilliantly. He smashed an unbeaten 52 runs off just 34 balls, propelling India to score rapidly in the second innings and giving the bowlers enough time to dismiss West Indies.
Kishan came to bat after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal, joining his good friend Shubman Gill in the middle. The dynamic duo took on the West Indies bowlers, dominating the game and putting the hosts under pressure.
Together, they shared an undefeated 79-run partnership, with Gill contributing 29 runs off 37 balls. Kishan’s innings was filled with power-packed shots, including four boundaries and a couple of sixes.
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After the day’s play, Kishan revealed the message he received from Kohli, who advised him to be promoted in the batting order to help India score quick runs in the session.
“It was really special (the half-century). I knew what the team needed from me. Everyone backed me. Virat backed me and told me ‘go and play your game.’ Let us hope we will finish the game tomorrow. It was Virat bhai who took the initiative and told me that I should go in. There was a slow left-armer who was bowling. It was a good call for the team. Sometimes you need to take these calls,” said Ishan Kishan after the day’s play.
Ishan Kishan said “Virat bhaiya backed me & told me to go & play at 4 – he took the initiative”. pic.twitter.com/C839Au1wau
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 24, 2023
“We had the plan that we will play 10-12 overs after the rain break and score 70-80 runs. We wanted a 370-380 target,” he added.
With a substantial 183-run first innings lead, India adopted an all-out attacking approach in the second innings, scoring 181 for two in just 24 overs before declaring 35 minutes after the tea break, setting the home team a daunting 365-run target.
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At stumps on day four, West Indies were 76 for 2 in 32 overs, with R Ashwin removing Kraigg Brathwaite (28) and Kirk McKenzie (0). The hosts need another 289 runs on the final day for an improbable win.
