IND vs NZ: "IPL And International Cricket Are Two Different Ball Games": Ashish Nehra On The New Ishan-Pant Opening Combo

In the second T20I against New Zealand, Rishabh Pant opened the innings alongside Ishan Kishan as Team India tried out a new opening combination.

Former India pacer Ashish Nehra pounced on the duo, particularly Pant, who labored during his 13-ball knock.

The powerplay runs were one of Team India’s biggest areas of weakness during the T20 World Cup. Only once in six games did the Men in Blue reach 40 runs in the first six overs; ultimately, this cost them a spot in the final as England destroyed the Indian bowlers in the semifinal, scoring 63 runs in the powerplay to India’s 39.

It appeared that this matter would be dealt with urgently after the selection committee was fired and the Indian squad decided to remodel itself for the game’s shortest format.

With Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant opening the batting against New Zealand in the second T20I, Team India attempted to remedy the problem, but it persisted. Pant, who is expected to bat first in the shortest format, tried to hit the ball too hard and was unable to time the ball correctly, resulting in his being out for a 13-ball 6.

“Rishabh Pant did not look in good touch”: Ashish Nehra

The former India pacer Ashish Nehra cautioned both of them that it won’t be easy since the pressure is very different in international cricket compared to the IPL. Kishan fared better, hitting a few big strokes in the powerplay and a few after it.

“Yeah, Rishabh Pant did not appear to be in top form. He did cross one boundary early on but did not find his timing later on. You can’t attempt to smash the ball hard in these conditions, and you have to look at timing the ball correctly.

“And on a few occasions, even Ishan Kishan was defeated, but he stayed and is currently looking excellent, but we’ve seen him better,” Ashish Nehra said.

“The point is that IPL and international cricket are two different ball games with different pressures and mindsets. I’m curious to see how much support these opening pairs get from the team management.

“There was a little something for the bowlers today, given the conditions. I’m curious to watch what they do with their opening options; the most important thing is that they don’t become confused,” Ashish Nehra went on to say.

The Men in Blue will take on a Kane Williamson-less New Zealand in the third T20I on Tuesday, November 20, at McLean Park in Napier.

Also Read: IND vs NZ: Is Suryakumar Yadav India’s Best T20 Player? Tim Southee Answers