Ishan Kishan was handed a debut in the second T20I of the series against England to bring impetus into the batting order. On cue, he provided all the blitz at the top of the order along with his skipper Virat Kohli at the other end.
Kohli was seen enthusiastic after every big shot coming off Kishan’s bat and he summed up in the post-match presentation what the innings from Kishan meant for India in the second T20I.
Kohli said that the form and confidence Kishan has been showing in the Indian Premier League was all on display in the very first game of his career and the left-hander showed no signs of being nervous and under pressure facing quality international bowlers.
"Special mention to Ishan. I tried to do what I can but he just took the game away from the opposition. Quality innings on debut. When you play in the IPL with such dominance like he has, against quality bowlers,” Kohli said in the post-match conversion with the host broadcaster.
Kohli outlined that Kishan batted with absolute freedom and intent that India have been in need of but was not reckless in his shot selection.
"We've seen him hit international fast bowlers for big sixes. He knew he was hitting the ball well but he was calculated, not reckless. Today that counter-attacking innings of his and our partnership was something the team needed," Kohli added.
Kishan batted at the top of the order with KL Rahul as Rohit Sharma was resting form the first T20Is of the series. It will be interesting to see if te left-hander can retain his place even after the return of his Mumbai Indians’ captain in the playing XI in the next game.