Ishan Kishan during 2nd T20I (Source:X)
India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan produced a breathtaking performance, smashing 76 off just 32 balls to guide India to a thrilling seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the second T20I on Friday.
The victory helped India take a 2-0 lead in the three-match series and marked a special return for Kishan, who admitted he had serious doubts about himself before the game.
Ishan Kishan shines during IND vs NZ 2nd T20I
Chasing a target of 208, India found themselves in early trouble after losing Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma in the space of three deliveries. The scoreboard read a worrying 6 for 2, and New Zealand appeared firmly in control.
That was when Ishan Kishan walked in during the first over and completely changed the momentum of the match. From the outset, the left-hander looked determined and fearless.
While Kishan was playing the aggressor's role, India captain Suryakumar Yadav held the innings together calmly at the other end.
Kishan's innings finally came to an end when he tried to slog Ish Sodhi and only managed a top edge. Suryakumar then took over the finishing duties, playing a fluent and confident unbeaten knock of 82 off 37 balls.
Kishan reflects on time away from team India
After the match, Ishan Kishan spoke honestly about the mental battle he faced during his time away from the Indian team.
"[What he had for Lunch today] Nothing, I had normal food. I was focusing more on what I need to do and be in a good headspace for this game.
[On scoreboard pressure] Sometimes, you are batting well and you just have to be in a good headspace. You just try to look to watch the ball and play good shots. We were looking to not take any risks, not go cross-batted. When you are chasing 200-plus, you need runs in the powerplay as well.
[On high-risk batting] Depends on how you are batting. I felt good in the middle. I backed myself and had a feeling that if I connect with good shots, I will make it happen for the team.
Ishan Kishan talks about domestic performances
Kishan credited his domestic performances, including strong outings in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, for helping him regain confidence. He said scoring runs at that level helped him believe in his ability to succeed again for India.
[On whether domestic cricket is mandatory now] I don't know about that. Yeah, I was just looking to score runs. Sometimes, it is important to do it for yourself. So you can answer your questions, how you are batting. If you are capable of playing for India, and that's why it was very much important for me to score runs in domestic cricket. Good part is we won the trophy as well. Batting here, taking the same confidence. So it was a pretty good day for me as well.
[On time when he was not in Indian team] Nothing, I just asked myself one question. Can I do it again or no, I had a clear answer in my head. I feel I can bat throughout the innings and play good shots. I just needed runs somewhere to answer my questions. I was just looking to get runs and even if I get out, I was looking to play well."
With the T20 World Cup approaching, Kishan's explosive knock could not have come at a better time, not just for India, but for a player who proved that self-belief can still silence every doubt.
