Debutant opener Ishan Kishan says team management’s backing boosted his confidence during 32-ball 56 against England in second T20I; insists Indian batsmen will approach remainder of the series with similar freedom
India’s Ishan Kishan celebrates his half-century against England on Sunday. Pic/AFP
India’s debutant opener Ishan Kishan credited the team management for his quickfire 32-ball 56 en route India’s win over England in the second T20I to level the five-match series 1-1 on Sunday night.
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“Before the match, I was told to go and open the innings and play freely, the way I play in the Indian Premier League. I was told not to take extra pressure,” Mumbai Indians’ batting star Kishan said after India’s dominant seven-wicket win.
No change in plan
Interestingly, before last week’s T20I series opener, skipper Virat Kohli had stressed that top-order batsmen would play freely in the ongoing series. Though the plan backfired as India managed just 124-7 in the first T20I, in the second game things fell into place perfectly. Despite the first loss, there was no drastic change in plan with Kishan confirming that India will continue their fearless approach in the upcoming games too.
“Nothing had to be changed from the first game. Yes, we had a bad day but we have to stick to the process we have decided. Whatever the plan, we have to execute it,” the southpaw said.
The fear of turning tracks was the biggest undoing for England in the Tests. Eoin Morgan’s T20I side are also anticipating a spinning pitch in the shortest version. “The two wickets we’ve played on have not turned. We looked at them and didn’t expect them to turn, but potentially, the next game might offer a little bit for the spinners,” Morgan said after Sunday’s defeat.
T20I World Cup in mind
The series is the last opportunity for India to zero in on their probable final squad before they host the T20I World Cup in October-November. However, England will get two more chances with a series each against Sri Lanka and Pakistan to follow. Morgan’s men are however, most keen to assess the playing conditions in India before finalising their squad.
“It [pitch] was quite slow, low, and didn’t really turn a great deal. That does expose our weakness. We don’t play a lot on slow, low wickets and the more that we can do that, the better. This [pitch for the second game] took us out of our comfort zone and was a typical Indian wicket.
“To become better in these conditions, the only way is by playing and making mistakes,” the England captain said. The two sides will take on each other in the third T20I today.
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