Ishan Kishan reveals how Pandya Brothers helped him rediscover passion for cricket after contract snub
Published - 29 Oct 2024, 06:46 PM | Updated - 29 Oct 2024, 11:42 PM
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Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan revealed that he experienced a deep reset in his approach toward the game during his life-changing time in Baroda after taking a break from the game. Later, Ishan was ousted from the BCCI’s central contract for not playing domestic cricket for Ranchi.
Ishan shared that by spending time with the Pandya brothers—Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya—he found himself reconnecting with the pure excitement for the game that he had felt as a young child. The left-handed batter further revealed that when he was staying at Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya’s home, he was away from competitive pressures.
Ishan Kishan reveals the transformative time in Baroda with the Pandya Brothers
Ishan Kishan further shared that he was not only focused on physical training but also on mental clarity in Baroda, with a disciplined routine of meditation, yoga, and moments spent with family that helped him feel grounded and energized.
Ishan Kishan was quoted as saying by the Times of India: “In Baroda, we had a plan and a routine. I used to do a lot of yoga and a lot of meditation. It was not like I was staying only at their place. There was a time when my parents were there, and I was spending a lot of time with them and feeling very grounded.
I was not in a negative zone because I wasn't on the team. I was in a very healthy space, training twice a day for one month. I got to batting only after a month, and before that, I used to wake up early to meditate and used to see the rising sun. It was so much fun.”
The Ranchi-born cricketer said that his training over a month initially kept him away from batting but allowed him to focus on internal growth and rejuvenation. Ishan said that each morning began with meditation, watching the sunrise, and creating a rhythm that anchored him to the present.
I used to crave for my batting in Baroda: Ishan Kishan
Only after this month-long mental and physical preparation at the Pandya brothers’ home, Ishan started batting practice, by which time he was eager to return to the field with a fresh perspective and renewed enthusiasm. Reflecting on his IPL 2024 show, Ishan Kishan acknowledged the invaluable lessons learned despite not performing well for the Mumbai Indians (MI).
Ishan added, “I used to crave for my batting in Baroda also during training because batting happened only after a month of training. It was the best time of my life. IPL didn't go that well, but it was a very big learning for me that no matter what you do, everything will not go your way. There will be times when God will check you, and that's the time you have to be very stable in life. Very practical and very grounded.”
'There is so much healthy competition'
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Ishan has recognized that setbacks in his career served as reminders to remain resilient and composed, which are essential in the game. Kishan was also inspired by the dynamic and healthy competition around him, knowing that it fuels not only his personal drive but also his respect for those sharing his journey toward representing India on the big stage.
Ishan signed off by saying, “You have to keep playing your game because, at the end of the day, there is so much competition. Everyone wants to play for India, and I am very happy for everyone who is playing for the country. There is so much healthy competition that you start enjoying it and don't take it as additional pressure.”
