Ishan Kishan speaks up on his role as a number three batter

Ishan Kishan has found a new enjoyment in his recent move to the number three position, showcasing his pleasure as an opener for India. This revelation follows his impressive back-to-back fifties against Australia in the ongoing five-match T20I series.

Traditionally, Kishan has been an opener for India in white-ball cricket. However, during the Asia Cup 2023, he was moved into the middle order, and this trend has continued in the current T20I series against Australia, where he has been given the number three spot.

In the first T20I, Kishan performed well, scoring 58 runs in Vishakhapatnam. He showed his ability to shift gears, scoring 30 runs off just 10 deliveries from leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha. In the second T20I, he continued his aggressive approach, contributing a quick 52 off 32 balls, helping India reach an imposing total of 235/4. His partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad, who also scored a fifty, laid the foundation for India’s substantial total.

I think it’s fun batting at opening and first down at the same time: Ishan Kishan

“I think it’s fun batting at opening and first down at the same time. Because, you know, at least you know the situation when you are batting at one down, You know what game you have to play, what situation it is. Because initially, it was not easy for the batsman to go in and start rotating the strike,” Kishan said.

Discussing his partnership with Gaikwad, Kishan highlighted their effective communication.

“Like I also struggled a bit in the beginning. But you know, the communication was very good with Rutu as we were targeting bowlers. And at the same time, when I did not feel like going to a certain bowler, I asked him to go for it. So that is what makes the team different when you communicate pretty good in the middle and you know you target bowlers,” added Kishan.