Young wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan said he feels very good about his game at the moment and insisted he has become a lot better with India A as compared to the last season.
After impressive outing for India A in three unofficial ODIs against South Africa, Kishan got the opportunity to play Duleep Trophy 2019 for India Red – winner of the tournament.
The 21-year-old also credits A games for his improved game as well as precious inputs from Rahul Dravid, under whom he led India to 2016 World Cup where the U19 side finished as runner up.
Exclusively speaking to MyNation, Kishan said: “I feel very good right now because, at the end of the day, I think about whether I have changed my cricket or not, in the last few years. I definitely feel that my game is better now when compared to the last season. I am doing well, I am reading the match situation well. There are little things which count when you are on the field. So, I feel very good right now.”
He further said, “Obviously, it is a very good opportunity for any youngster (to play for India A). I too take it as an opportunity and I have to go and play well for India A. It is also about the Indian jersey, that we have to win the matches. So, it is all about going there and giving your best while wearing the Indian jersey.”
On Dravid, Kishan noted: “He helps youngsters a lot. Whenever you want, you can go and talk to Dravid sir about your batting and he will help you. There are times, before the match, we are all nervous, and he is there to take all the pressure away from us. It is important for us him being there to guide. We get to learn a lot from him, like in what situation what we have to do. I have learnt a lot from India A matches, like how to play in the right frame of mind.”
The left-hander also thanked MS Dhoni and Kiran More for helping him improve his glovework. He said, “Talking to Mahi bhai (Dhoni) and Kiran More sir, you get to know about many things, like what to do while keeping on Indian wickets and abroad. I have done a few drills like I have to keep my body low when spinners are bowling. It has really helped me.”
Being an explosive batsman and Kishan is seen as a finisher in the limited-overs cricket, but the youngster said he is focused on being the best wherever he gets the opportunity to bat. He further explained, “Right now in cricket, wherever you get to bat, be it No. 1 or No. 6, you have to be in that frame of mind, be the best for that position. So, I just look at what number I have to bat at, what role I have that I have to go out there and do for my team. I just focus on that.”
He also benefited from being around many legends at the Mumbai Indian in the IPL, explaining: “There are too many legends (in Mumbai Indians) who will help you with your batting. Going and talking to them you get a few more points about your batting, and also get to know what my weakness is. They keep sharing inputs with you. And, I look at my videos also. So, you just keep practicing those things. At the end of the day, when you are playing IPL, you know what your problem is and what how you have to correct it. I have worked on those things and it has helped me to improve.”
On the competition among youngsters for the wicketkeeper’s role in India, Ishan said: “I don't take it as competition (against them), because everybody is competing to wear the Indian jersey. Everyone wants to go there and perform well for the country. I just focus on doing my best and being the best what I do. I just work on my processes, what I have to do.”
Now, Kishan is aiming to give his best in the upcoming Ranji Trophy. He signed off by saying, “All that I do is I have to go in and back my strength. Like what I have done in India A matches, I have to go there and give my best (in Ranji Trophy). My point is, I never set any limits (targets), like I have to score this much (in Ranji Trophy season 2019-20). I have to go there and make as many runs as I can.”
(With MyNation Inputs)
