Guwahati, Jan 25 – Ishan Kishan, who has recently made his return to international cricket after a two-year hiatus, is focused on enjoying the game and returning to his foundational skills as he gears up for the T20 World Cup next month. The wicketkeeper-batter made a remarkable impact in his comeback match during the second T20I against New Zealand in Raipur, scoring a stunning 76 runs off just 32 balls, helping India chase down a target of 209 runs in under 16 overs for a seven-wicket victory.
Reflecting on his performance, Kishan emphasized the importance of maintaining a calm mindset. “I was just hoping to go in, be calm and watch each and every ball and just play the cricketing shots which are necessary at that moment,” he shared before the third T20I. His innings came after India lost two quick wickets, placing added pressure on him and skipper Suryakumar Yadav to stabilize the innings.
Kishan explained his approach while facing the challenging situation. “When chasing a total like 209, it’s crucial to maximize runs in the powerplay. My focus was on not losing my wicket while still playing good shots. I felt it was easier for left-handed batsmen in the given conditions,” he said.
The 27-year-old’s journey back to the national team was marked by hard work at the domestic level, where he played 71 matches for Jharkhand and led the team to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last year. His dedication was rewarded with his selection for the ongoing series against New Zealand and the home T20 World Cup starting on February 7.
Kishan voiced his determination to find confidence in his abilities, stating, “I just need to enjoy each moment. It’s vital to stay grounded and take it one day, or one game, at a time. My aim is to focus on what’s important and present in front of me.”
Addressing potential pressures associated with his comeback, he noted, “After everything I’ve been through, my feelings haven’t changed significantly. I maintain a mindset focused on the present. With the World Cup ahead, our primary goal remains preparing to win the trophy and identifying areas for improvement.”
Kishan’s return to form and his positive mindset create an optimistic outlook for India as it heads into the World Cup, making fans hopeful for his continued success on the field.