India Tour of Sri Lanka: Ishan Kishan’s big claim, ‘Told everyone in dressing room that I’ll hit my first ball for six’: India wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan was confident that he would hit the first-ball for a six no matter where the bowler bowled, something his teammate Suryakumar Yadav had done on his T20I debut against England. The 23-year-old did exactly so, smashing Dhananjaya de Silva for a six at the long-on. During an interaction with teammate Yuzvendra Chahal, he revealed his intention.
“I thought there were many things that fell my way. It was my birthday then I kept on that wicket for 50 overs. I knew the wicket did not have much to offer for the spinners. I knew it was the best chance to hit a first-ball six and I had told you guys that I will dispatch the first ball for a six. Practice is very important and it helped me a lot,” Ishan Kishan told teammate Yuzvendra Chahal in a video posted on bcci.tv.
Coming out to bat at No 3, Ishan Kishan had hit his first ball in ODI cricket for a six against Sri Lanka here at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. Shikhar Dhawan (86*) and Ishan Kishan (59) starred with the bat as India defeated Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the first ODI. With this win, India has gained a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second ODI will now be played on Tuesday.
Also read: India Tour of Sri Lanka: Ishan Kishan reveals keys to success as Chahal TV returns
“When we were practicing, I knew I am in good touch. I was connecting the ball very well. The same thing I had to do in the match, I knew I do not need to change my approach,” he added.
In the first ODI against Sri Lanka, Kishan along with Suryakumar Yadav made their debuts in the 50-over format.
“For any player, when he knows that he will get the debut cap, there can be no prouder moment. I cherished the moment, there have been many wellwishers who have always wanted me to play for the country. It was a special feeling. I feel very proud that I got to make my debut in ODIs. I could have finished the match, but I am happy a made a little contribution for the side,” said Ishan Kishan.
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