Wicketkeeper batsman Ishan Kishan switched on his beast mode and showed his batting prowess during the second Test between India and West Indies on Sunday. Just two matches into the longest format, Ishan took just 34 balls to reach his maiden Test half-century. His fiery fifty helped Team India to a huge score as the innings declared at 181/2 with the hosts set a target of 365 runs. Fans were reminded of Ishan’s one-handed six during the match, which was wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.
During the 24th over of India’s innings, Ishan took full advantage of Kemar Roach’s low full-toss and missed the bottom hand while hitting a massive six over long-on. Notably, Rishabh Pant is known for such amazing sixes.
Ishan Kishan plays a single handed six like Rishabh Pant pic.twitter.com/OvOU6vie1Y
— Himanshu Raj (@IMHimanshu_Raj) July 23, 2023
Another interesting aspect of Ishan’s scintillating six was that he used the bat of the ball as it read ‘RP 17’. After the end of the fourth day, the 25-year-old batsman credited the advice he received from the National Cricket Academy.
“Before coming here I was in NCA. I was practicing there and had rehab. He got me some points. He asked me bat position and everything because he has seen me play with him. We have played a lot of matches together,” Ishan said at the end of the fourth day’s play.
“We’ve been together since Under-19. So he knows how I play and what my mentality is. So he just helps me a little bit with my bat position and everything, otherwise I want someone to tell me a little bit about my batting.
India gave themselves the best chance to win the second Test against the West Indies after lead pacer Mohammad Siraj produced a career-best performance on another rain-soaked day in Port of Spain.
Siraj’s five-wicket haul in the morning session allowed India to bowl out West Indies for 255 in their first innings, who started the fourth day at 229 for five.
When play was stopped on the fourth day, West Indies were 76 for the loss of 2 wickets in 32 overs. On the final day, the hosts needed another 289 runs for an improbable victory.
(with PTI inputs)
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