‘Interactions with Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya and Kieron Pollard helped’ – Ishan Kishan after maiden India call-up in England T20Is

Young wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan earned his maiden call-up to the Indian team for the five-match T20I series against England that commenced from March 12 at Narendra Modi Stadium. Ishan is considered as one of the promising cricketers owing to his spectacular performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for five-time champion Mumbai Indians.

The 22-year-old credited his IPL franchise for grooming him and playing a major role in his development as a cricketer. Kishan believes that playing in the IPL alongside international legends like Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard has been an enriching experience for him as by observing the two power-hitters, he learned how to confuse the opposition and build his innings.

“It’s very important to be mentally strong, and to that extent, you mature as a player each year. The support of mentors and senior cricketers helps in that regard. I think each IPL has been a learning experience for me. A few interactions that helped my game so much have been with Hardik (Pandya), Krunal (Pandya), and (Kieron) Pollard. 

“I have seen how they plan a game, map their innings, confuse opposition by switching between big-hitting and strike rotation. Watching them and talking to them has played an integral role in giving me that confidence which has helped my game a lot. I am fortunate to have that kind of exposure,” said Kishan in an interview with Wisden.

The mentorship I received from the coaches, Rohit and Zaheer Bhai helped me: Ishan Kishan

Kishan had delivered a stunning performance in the 13th edition of the T20 extravaganza as he had emerged as the highest run-getter for Mumbai with a whopping 516 runs under his belt. Speaking about the same, Kishan reckoned that he learned a lot by sharing the dressing room with some legends of the game.

“Look, I don’t think there was any particular change for IPL 2020. I just try to give it my best and put in the work. It’s amazing to have mentors like Rohit (Sharma) Bhai and so many others in the dressing room, you get to learn so much and adapt your game accordingly. The Mumbai Indians stint is the bedrock of my cricket. The mentorship I received from the coaches and Rohit and Zaheer Bhai helped me,” Kishan signed off.