(Cricket News) Ishan Kishan, the wicketkeeper-batter for Team India, expressed his views on England’s “Bazball” batting style, emphasizing that it is suitable only for flat surfaces and not essential in every Test match.
He shared his thoughts with reporters after the second Test match’s fifth day was washed out, stating, “It is not possible to play that aggressively every day; it depends on the situation as well.” Ishan further explained that England’s quick batting approach should be considered in the context of the pitches they are playing on. In most cases, where India plays, batting isn’t easy due to the presence of turn and bounce, making it a different challenge altogether.
“If the pitch is flat, conducive to quick scoring, and the team requires quick runs, then I believe adopting an aggressive approach can be beneficial. However, I don’t feel it’s mandatory to play aggressively in every match. Whenever the situation demands attacking cricket, we have enough firepower in our squad. Test cricket doesn’t always require constant attacking shots,” he added.
Ishan Kishan has demonstrated his proficiency behind the stumps and brings a much-needed aggressive style with the bat. As a left-hander, he appears to have secured his position as the second-choice wicketkeeper-batter after Pant.
“As a young player, playing only my second Test, I aimed to capitalize on every opportunity. In the second innings, when I was sent to bat up the order, my plan was to take on the left-arm spinner. I approached my batting with a positive mindset. We didn’t want to bat for an extended period as we already had a good lead,” said Kishan, who played an outstanding unbeaten innings of 52 off 34 balls.
Ishan also shared how Rishabh Pant assisted him with a few batting tips during their training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
“As I mentioned before, he and I have known each other since our U-19 days. We are well aware of each other’s playing styles. We maintain a continuous dialogue about batting and never hold back from sharing our opinions,” he said.
“Rishabh has performed exceptionally well in the Test match. Batting down the order requires playing according to the situation. If the team has lost four quick wickets and needs a partnership, an all-out attacking approach might not be suitable. However, when setting a target, being aggressive can be advantageous. In Test cricket, it’s essential to adapt your batting to the specific situation at hand.”
The 25-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand, who has often been labeled as a white-ball cricketer, attributed his comfort zone to Team India’s captain, Rohit Sharma. He shared insights into his cricketing journey and revealed why he chooses not to dwell too much on the future.
“Rohit Sharma is an extremely experienced captain who endeavors to ensure everyone feels comfortable. When I was about to bat, he simply advised me, ‘Play your own game, stick to your plan, and don’t pay heed to anyone else.’ For a young player, it’s a significant boost when the captain supports you, and it motivates you to perform well,” he said.
Regarding the wait for his chance in Test cricket, he expressed, “I believe every individual is unique. While some may find it frustrating, others view it as a challenge. Perhaps, during that period, I wasn’t performing as well, which is why I wasn’t getting the opportunity.”
“I approach the game one match at a time. Test cricket is a five-day affair that tests you both mentally and physically. Rather than dwelling on the future, I focus on the present match I am participating in. My mindset revolves around how I can contribute to the team as a wicketkeeper-batter, whether it’s behind the stumps or with the bat.”
Also Read: Kapil Dev: Coping with expectations a major factor in India’s home WC campaign
