After missing two chances, Ishan Kishan got a golden opportunity in India’s final Test innings of the West Indies tour. India’s decision to drop the experienced Virat Kohli at No.4 in the second Test in Trinidad saw the youngster repay faith in a whirlwind performance as he cruised to a maiden half-century. After an unbeaten 52 off 34 balls to set India a target of 365 against the hosts, Ishan revealed the conversation with Rishabh Pant that helped him raise that score.
Pant would have been the wicketkeeper-batsman for India in the Test series in the WTC final last month and the Border-Gavaskar series at home earlier this year. But a tragic car accident sidelined Ball. Even if he recovers and makes significant progress, he will likely miss the rest of 2023.
In his absence, Ishan was included as a back-up option for KS Bharat in the home series and then the WTC final against Australia, before opting for his debut cap management in the West Indies series. He had a chance to score his first Test run in the series opener in Dominica before India declared, then was dismissed for 25 off 37 balls in the first innings of the second Test.
In the final innings of the match, Ishan was sent in front of Kohli and the youngster continued the momentum set by the openers as he scored an unbeaten 52 with four fours and two sixes as India scored 181 for two on day four.
After the day’s proceedings, Ishan revealed how Pant’s advice during his interaction at the NCA helped him prepare for the series.
“Before coming here I was in NCA. I was practicing there and Rishabh was there for his rehabilitation. He got me some points. He saw me playing and asked you bat position and everything. We have played together since U-19. Tell me a little about my batting, it was a great time to come and talk to me, thank you for that,” Kishan said.
Ishan also managed to direct the ball inside him with a one-handed six against Kemar Roach, which instantly went viral on social media.