Ishan Kishan batted as an opener in the last two league matches of Mumbai Indians.
Mumbai Indians (MI) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 42 runs in their final league stage match of IPL 2021. However, the winning margin was still not enough for MI to qualify for the playoffs.
Mumbai needed to win the match by at least 170 runs, which looked like a tough task. But MI tried to give themselves the best chance and they even made a few changes in their batting order.
Ishan Kishan smashed 84 runs off 32 deliveries, while Suryakumar Yadav played a knock of 40-ball 82 runs. They posted a total of 235/9 in 20 overs and SRH could only manage 193/8 in reply.
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Kishan, after getting the Player of the Match award, said it's good for him and Team India that he has returned to form ahead of the 2021 T20 World Cup. "A very good thing for me and for the team getting some runs, and getting into good touch before the World Cup. Was in good state mind of mind, was very positive," he said.
The 23-year-old was going all-in, considering it was a do-or-die match for MI. Speaking on his mindset throughout the knock, he said, "I knew we are in a do-or-die situation. It was just the intent and the positive mindset.
"I haven't scored as many boundaries in the cover region this season. You have to be prepared for every circumstance. It's important to be in that mindset."
Kishan was out of form before scoring two back-to-back half-centuries. He recalled Virat Kohli's word and said the Indian skipper motivated him to open.
"I had a chat with Virat bhai, HP [Hardik Pandya], KP [Pollard] - they were all there. I would love to open, and that is what Virat bhai said: 'You are selected as an opener, you just have to be prepared for that.' In the bigger stage, you need to be prepared for every situation," he said.