Eoin Morgan
Eoin Morgan, England captain (Photo Credit- The Sun)

England’s limited-overs captain, Eoin Morgan says that his side was wary of Ishan Kishan’s prowess as an attacking batsman having seen him smash bowlers in the IPL.

Eoin Morgan heaped high praises on Kishan after the youngster sizzled with a match-winning knock on his T20I debut. The 22-year-old helped India chase down the 165-run target with his 56-run innings off 32 deliveries, ladened with 5 fours and 4 sixes. With the victory on Sunday, India level the 5-match series with 3 games to go.

Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan. Image-Twitter

Kishan was a key contributor for Mumbai Indians winning their fifth IPL title last season. He scored 516 at an average of 57.33 striking at 145.76; Kishan also hit most sixes in the tournament last year – Eoin Morgan was not at all surprised by the southpaw’s batting tempo on Sunday, despite playing his maiden international game.

“Not surprised to see Ishan Kishan’s aggressive approach at the top of the order. I’ve played against him (in the IPL), that’s the way he plays. We were very aware of the threat that he poses,” Eoin Morgan said while speaking during the post-match press conference.

IPL has clearly bridged the gap between domestic and international cricket: Eoin Morgan

The 34-year-old skipper reckons the exposure youngsters like Ishan Kishan get during the IPL has helped them to not be overwhelmed while jumping on the international arena. In recent times, there have been several young Indian players who have achieved instant success at the highest level due to their familiarity with intense pressure in the IPL.

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Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan (Image Credit: Twitter)

“I think he (Ishan) has really played well on debut. It’s not surprising given the amount of IPL exposure he’s had and the success he’s had in the tournament.

“That has clearly bridged the gap between domestic and international cricket. And he’s not the first player to come in and do it in an Indian shirt,” the Kolkata Knight Riders captain added.

The series stands level after the two matches, with the third scheduled on Tuesday, at the same venue. Eoin Morgan would be hoping for Mark Wood to regain his fitness, and with the pitch expected to offer assistance to the spinners, Moeen Ali could replace the expensive Tom Curran.

As for the hosts, Rohit Sharma is likely to return to the eleven; it is to be seen if Kishan or Rahul is dropped, or Suryakumar Yadav, who also made his debut in the second T20I faced the axe.

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