NEW DELHI: India batsman Ishan Kishan expressed his dejection for missing several matches during the recently-concluded ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in India. Despite this disappointment, he eagerly aimed to capitalise on his chances in the subsequent T20Is following the tournament, driven by a strong determination to perform.
After the conclusion of the World Cup, where India finished as runners-up, Ishan, who played two matches in the World Cup, scoring 47 runs, including a duck, was picked for the five-match T20I series against Australia.
And, the left-hander delivered in style. In the first two matches, Ishan scored 110 runs at an average of 55.00.
The hard-hitting left-hander scored 58 in the opening match and then smashed 53 in the second T20I to hand India a 2-0 lead in the series. He is India's highest run-getter in the series so far.
1/10:2nd T20I: Jaiswal, Kishan help India thrash Australia to go 2-0 up
ANI
2/10:Jaiswal's explosive innings
Young India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed a 25-ball 53 with fearless shot-making.PTI
3/10:Kishan's impactful contribution
Ishan Kishan's 52 off 32 deliveries pushed India's total to a mammoth 235/4 after being invited to bat first.AFP
4/10:Bishnoi, Krishna shine with the ball
Spinner Ravi Bishnoi and fast bowler Prasidh Krishna took three wickets each as the hosts kept Australia down to 191/9.PTI
5/10:Australia's struggle in the chase
<p>In reply, Australia fell to 58/4 including Steve Smith (19), previous-match centurion Josh Inglis (two) and Glenn Maxwell (12) back in the dug-out.</p>AP
6/10:David and Stoinis fight back
Tim David, who smashed 37, and Stoinis, who hit 45 off 25 balls, attempted to hit back in their partnership of 81 as the two hit six fours and six sixes between them.AFP
7/10:Bishnoi breaks the partnership
Ravi Bishnoi broke the stand with his leg-spin to dismiss Tim David who mistimed a hit to long-on.AFP
8/10:Wade's late heroics
Skipper Matthew Wade struck an unbeaten 42 off 23 balls to reduce the margin of loss for Australia.AFP
9/10:India's commanding lead in the series
With the convincing 44-run win, India extended their lead to 2-0 in the five-match series against Australia.AFP
10/10:Australia's struggles continue
"We're making the right decisions but aren't executing in the right moments," Australia coach Andre Borovec said.AFP"I think it is all hunger. In the World Cup, we played like a champion side, and I was missing out. I was feeling a bit bad, but you cannot help it. In international cricket, the time will come when you are not playing, but you have to stay fresh in your mind and make it count when the time comes. When you get the opportunity, you have to go for it," said Kishan.
On using the series as a preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup to be held in June next year, Ishan said that the team is trying to make the most of their chances.
"At the same time, the match (the second T20I) was fun. There was an expectation that the wicket would turn, but that did not happen because of the dew factor. Going ahead, it is important for us as a young team to analyse the wicket as soon as possible, adapt to the conditions, and play accordingly," said Kishan.
India will take on Australia in the third match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday.
