Jharkhand and Mumbai Indians wicketkeeper-batsman and former India U-19 skipper, Ishan Kishan’s long-standing dream of representing his country was finally fulfilled when he made his debut against England during the five-match T20I series against England.
Kishan earned his maiden India cap following his memorable Indian Premier League campaign in 2020 for the Mumbai Indians.
Batting at the No.4 spot, Ishan Kishan showcased his prodigious talent to the hilt as he scripted one brilliant performance after another.
In 13 innings, Kishan smashed as many as 516 runs at an average of 57.33 and a blistering strike rate of 145.76 with four 50+ scores. His 99 against Royal Challengers Bangalore during a 200+ run-chase was enthralling to witness even though it ended in a losing cause.
He backed up his IPL 2020 performances with a stellar show in the 2021 Vijay-Hazare Trophy, paving way for a call-up to the Indian team for the five-match T20 series against England.
Kishan finally received his maiden India cap during the second T2oI at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad after the Virat Kohli-led team management decided to drop veteran opener, Shikhar Dhawan, for the Jharkhand swashbuckler.
And, the move paid off brilliantly as Ishan Kishan took to international cricketer as fish takes it to water as he peeled off a match-winning half-century to help his team chase down 164.
It was an innings full of authoritative strokeplay as he took the English bowling attack- both pace and spin- to the cleaners.
Kishan was adjudged the ‘Player of the Match’ for his brilliant 32-ball 56- an innings that included 5 fours and 4 sixes.
During a recent discussion with his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians on Instagram, Ishan Kishan relieved the moment that he got to know that he will be making his debut for India.
The 21-year-old also revealed the reaction of his parents when he apprised them of his impending debut.
“It was very special. You know, you get the call, and then you call up your parents to tell them this and ask them how they’re feeling. So when I called my parents, they were already crying. It was a very proud moment for me. Obviously, it is every cricketer’s dream to play for their country,” Kishan said.