WI v IND 2023: WATCH – Ishan Kishan explains why “Bazball” won't be India's go-to approach in Tests

Kishan slammed 52* off 34 balls while batting at No. 4 in India's second innings at Queen's Park Oval.

By Salman Anjum - 25 Jul, 2023

India wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan likes to bat in Test cricket according to the situation as he believes "Bazball" should not become the template for playing every single five-day game.

Kishan, who made his Test debut on the West Indies tour, slammed 52 not out off 34 balls in the second innings of the Trinidad Test when the visitors were in need of quick runs to set a big target for the hosts.

India scored 181/2 in just 24 overs before declaring their second innings, leading to people talking about whether the Rohit Sharma-led side would adopt the "Bazball" approach going forward.

"It's not necessary that everyday you come in and start playing fast cricket. That should depend on the situation. The condition of the pitches also plays a role in how quickly one can score runs," said Kishan during the post-match press conference after the second Test ended in a draw.

The southpaw was promoted to bat at No. 4 and he didn’t let down the team management, slamming his maiden Test half-century to help India set a 365-run victory target for the West Indies.

However, rain played spoilsport on the fifth and final day to deny the tourists a clean sweep of the two-match series.

"Mostly, where we play, wickets are not that easy...there is turn and bounce. So, playing quick on those surface there is no point because you need to read the wicket properly.

"If you get a wicket where you can score quick runs and the need of the hour is to do that, then every player in the (Indian) team has the capability to perform that role.

"The kind of players we have and the number of formats and matches that we play, everyone knows his role -- which match one has to play in what manner. So, personally, I feel, every match we don't need to play like that (score quickly), but it should be situation-based."

Ishan Kishan also opened up on the tips he received from Rishabh Pant during his stay at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.

Notably, Pant – India’s first-choice wicketkeeper – is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA after surviving a horrific car crash in December last year.

"He knows me from U-19 days... how I play, how I think, so we keep interacting. What I think he needs to do to improve I tell him and the same is the case with him. He also tries to help me and ensure I give it my best shot on a tour. And I am very thankful that he he gave me some good points at the NCA."

"Obviously, he has done very well in Tests, and the number at which we bat...Rishabh bats, it is very important for us to understand the situation. If four wickets fall quickly and a partnership is required then we cannot play that fast-scoring game.

"Overall, we need to keep the match in mind... what we need to do at that point in time because it is a five-day game and last day is very important. And, planning and execution is the most important aspect in Test cricket.

Kishan explained how skipper Rohit Sharma brings the best out of young players and gives them the confidence to play with a clear mind.

"He is a very experienced captain. He gives his best, how to keep players in comfort zone, don't let pressure get the better of players.

"In fact, when I came out to bat (in the second innings at Port of Spain), he said 'play your game, plan your innings and don't think who has said what'.

"For a youngster, that is a huge plus point that the captain has faith in you, that I can handle the situation."

(With PTI Inputs)

By Salman Anjum - 25 Jul, 2023

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