Ishan Kishan announced himself at the international stage with a quickfire half-century on debut against England on Sunday (March 14). The youngster looked fearless and played attacking cricket despite losing his opening partner KL Rahul in the first over.
India was chasing 165 in 20 overs, and after Kishan's 32-ball 56 and captain Virat Kohli's 73* runs, they reached the target with 13 balls left and 7 wickets in hand.
After the match, Kishan revealed India's limited-overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma, who is currently rested, had given him the confidence to play freely. "As a cricketer, many people are there who play different roles to help you succeed. Rohit Bhai told me before the match that you will open, play freely as you do in the IPL. He told me to stay clear.
"Obviously, I was nervous when I went out there, but at the end of the day, when you see the flag of your country and you are wearing the national jersey, all you want to do is give your best," said Ishan while responding to ANI in the press-conference.
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Kishan, 22, also spoke about his U-19 teammates, Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar, who are now doing well for India. He said, "I get happy when I see the U-19 guys performing well, it is always a proud moment to see them perform. When I go out there in the middle, I always think about how I can improve myself.
"I just think about how I can get better with each passing day. As the level keeps on increasing in your cricket, there is no fixed spot for you. You keep on floating. I do not think about any number, I just do what the team requires."
When asked if the team looked for any change after a defeat in the first T20I, he replied, "I think there was nothing to be changed after the first game. We had a bad game but still, you have to stick to the process which we have decided. We have to stick to our plans. There were small things which we took care of and we did not change anything from the first T20I."
India has leveled the series by 1-1 after a win in the second T20I. The third match will be played on March 16.
(With ANI Inputs)
