After two years away from the national setup, Ishan Kishan returned to the Indian team with a bang. His 24-ball 61 against Namibia in the T20 World Cup guided India to a 93-run victory at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Kishan’s journey back was not easy. After citing mental fatigue during the 2023 South Africa tour, the 27-year-old stayed out of the national reckoning for nearly two years. Since his comeback in the T20I series against New Zealand, he has scored two fifties and a century in six matches. He has forced his way back into India’s first-choice XI.
Against Namibia, Ishan Kishan dominated the Powerplay. Sanju Samson scored 22 off 8 balls and gave India a quick start. Kishan then attacked the bowlers. In the final over of the Powerplay, he smashed four consecutive sixes and a boundary off JJ Smit and raced to a 20-ball half-century.
“I’m a changed man now. I don’t get into it too much. I do enjoy jokes and everything, I still do it. But earlier, I used to do it 24×7. Now, let’s say it’s only a few hours a day. More time and energy has been spent concentrating on my batting and wicketkeeping,” he said about his period in exile from the national team.
Ishan Kishan powers record Powerplay vs Namibia in Delhi
India reached 86/1 in six overs, their third-highest T20I Powerplay total. They crossed 100 in just 6.5 overs, the fastest team hundred in T20 World Cup history. Kishan’s 61 off 24 balls included six fours and five sixes at a strike rate above 250.
“I do take singles as well. I defend the good balls. I don’t know if I have put in a lot of work in changing my style. I keep it simple. Rather than rushing and getting excited and playing those shots, which I already had, I stay calm and try to play the ball. Sometimes, in international cricket, you get overexcited in trying to play those shots. I’ve just tried to cut those moments out,” he added.
India posted 209/9. Hardik Pandya scored 52 and Shivam Dube added late runs. Namibia were bowled out for 116 as India sealed a comfortable win.
