MS Dhoni keeps guiding me inspite of being so busy: Ishan Kishan

Former India U19 captain, Ishan Kishan recently captained the Board President’s XI against the South Africa ‘A’ side. While the tour match ended in a drawn, the youngster termed it a huge honour to be leading the side. For someone who hails from Jharkhand and plays as a wicketkeeper-batsman, it does not take a lot of guessing to name Kishan’s cricketing idol.

He expressed gratitude towards MS Dhoni who has guided him whether it was on the field or outside. The 20-year-old during his time with the U19 Indian team led them to the final of the 2016 junior World Cup where they ended up as runners-up. Ishan plays for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). During the 2018 edition of the tournament, he played against Dhoni but continued to receive advises from the veteran.

MS Dhoni keeps guiding

Going back to his first IPL season, Kishan described how Dhoni walked up to the bowler and shared a few tips on what he should be doing to get the better of the youngster from Jharkhand. It was such an intriguing feeling that he thought the bowler will certainly dismiss him based on Dhoni’s advice. However with time, Kishan now focuses on himself. He emphasized on the importance of being ready and prepared for the challenge.

“When I was playing my first season, he was at my back and he was talking to the bowler about some plan I think. At that time, I was like, ‘What must he have said to the bowler! Now maybe the bowler will get me out because Dhoni bhaiyya has said something.’ But now it’s more like, ‘Okay, he is saying something, so I have to be more attentive about what I have to do. I have to be on my toes’,” he was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Ishan recalled various instances during the IPL when he sought captain cool’s advice. He described that it was not only fitness but also about the mental preparedness among other matters. He stated that despite having very little spare time, Dhoni never turned him down.

“In the IPL also between matches, I had a conversation with him. He helps a lot whenever I meet him. He talks about everything, even fitness. Obviously, he is pressed for time. But he is so kind that if he can’t give me time there, he will tell me to come to his room and ask him whatever I want to,” he stated.

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