Kishan rejoined Team India earlier this year during the T20I series against New Zealand and the T20 World Cup, following a standout domestic season. Leading Jharkhand, he steered the team to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title, amassing over 500 runs in the tournament.
“When I found myself out of the team, I reminded myself that sulking wouldn’t help. It’s tempting for any athlete to seek sympathy, which might provide a temporary sense of comfort, but that won’t lead to progress,” Ishan, a player for Sunrisers Hyderabad, shared with JioHotstar.
“The only path back into contention was through scoring runs. I aimed to refine my skills and accumulate as many runs as possible, even if it meant hitting more sixes than other batters.” He mentioned that his time away from the national squad intensified his commitment to the sport, with that drive converting into significant domestic run totals.
“Only consistent run-scoring can land you back in the team. If 300 runs in a season aren’t sufficient, aim for 400; if that’s not enough, go for 500. Ultimately, cricket is our livelihood.
“Being out of the team gives you perspective on its value, leading to a newfound respect for each game. You become more driven, and that was my goal: to excel,” added Ishan.
Reflecting on his key No. 3 position, Kishan remarked that years of experience batting there have equipped him with the knowledge to construct an innings and finish strong.
He showcased that confidence superbly, smashing an explosive 74 off just 31 balls as Sunrisers Hyderabad comfortably chased a challenging 228/6 set by Rajasthan Royals during their IPL match in Jaipur on Saturday.
“After years at No. 3, if you’re settled, you aim to score big and last until the end. This eases the pressure on your fellow batters.
“I aim to keep things simple, maintain a positive mindset, and take it match by match. If we focus on playing good cricket, the rest of the team will follow suit.
“In the end, it’s a team sport. Playing well can inspire others. I’ve made plenty of mistakes, so my goal is not to repeat them, even though I did in this particular game,” he acknowledged.
During the match, Ishan Kishan also spoke with young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, sharing insights about the respect and strategizing that rival teams employ regarding him.
Sooryavanshi hit a rapid 37-ball 103, though his performance wasn’t enough to prevent SRH from chasing down the massive total.
“I was telling him about the intensity of his batting and how he’s playing. Sometimes you worry about what the score could have looked like had he batted a bit longer.
“It was crucial for us to dismiss him. At 228, it could have easily been 258. Cricket is all about comebacks. We got him out and made a little comeback. I joked with him, ‘When I’m playing against you, try to go easy on my team. I know all your tricks and stories’,” Ishan quipped.
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif also praised Sooryavanshi, noting that the young player shows the poise of a seasoned professional and has the potential to become the next “superstar” of the country.
“Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a once-in-a-generation talent. He’s a fearless prodigy dominating the IPL as if playing gully cricket. Two centuries in two seasons, both at a strike rate above 250. He bats like a veteran who’s had a decade of international experience.
“His early length detection, balance at the crease, and raw power are exceptional. He possesses a calm demeanor for his age, which is a rare combination. If he remains fit, maintains his hunger, and stays focused, Indian cricket has found its next superstar for the next 20 to 25 years,” Kaif stated.
(With PTI inputs)
