‘It’s not possible to play that fast everyday’ – Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan speaks about aggressive batting approach in Test cricket

Indian batters have been phenomenal throughout the recently concluded India vs. West Indies Test series. From skipper Rohit Sharma to debutants Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan, all batted well during the two-match series, which helped India win it by a 1-0 margin. However, in the second innings of the second Test, India batted with a record run rate in Test Cricket.

India scored 181/2 in just 24 overs and tried to earn a chance to win the game before rain played spoilers. Skipper Rohit Sharma and wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan scored half-centuries with a strike rate of almost 130. Kishan almost batted like a beast, scoring 52 runs off just 34 balls with an average strike rate of 150. However, speaking about Kishan’s aggressive approach to batting, he said that it is not possible to play like that in every game.

“It is not possible that you can play that fast every day; it depends upon the situation also. England are batting quickly, but you need to see what kind of pitches they are playing; mostly where we play, it is not easy to bat because there is a turn and bounce. If the wicket is flat, where you can score quickly, and the need of the team is to get runs quickly, then I think you can take on that action.”

“I don’t think it is necessary that we play in an aggressive manner in every match, but whenever there is a need to play attacking cricket, we have enough firepower in our ranks. I don’t think you can always play attacking shots in Test cricket”, Kishan told reporters after the game.

“Rishabh has done exceptionally well in the Test match”, says Ishan Kishan

Further speaking about his bond with star India wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, Kishan said that they have known each other since U19 days. They don’t hesitate to share their opinions on each other’s games and batting abilities. He said, “As I have said earlier, he has known me since our U-19 days. We know each other’s game. We keep on talking to each other about the bat, and we never hesitate to share our opinions.”

“Rishabh has done exceptionally well in the Test match. We bat down the order, and while batting in that position, it is important to play according to the situation. If you have lost four quick wickets and you need a partnership, you can’t go for an all-out attack. Where you need to set a target, then that aggressive approach is also on. But overall, you will have to bat according to the situation in Test cricket”, Kishan added.

India has a short turnaround time before the One-Day International (ODI) series begins. The series begins on Thursday, July 27 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. Kishan will be hoping to hold off Sanju Samson and stay the first-choice keeper in the ODI series as well.