India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has made it clear that he is not distracted by comparisons with fellow left-handers Abhishek Sharma and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. After playing a match-winning knock against Zimbabwe in the second T20I, Kishan said his attention remains on fulfilling his role for the team rather than chasing headlines.

His composed innings helped India recover from an early collapse and clinch the three-match series with one game still to play.

Ishan Kishan anchors India’s innings

India found themselves under pressure after losing Abhishek Sharma for 8 and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for 20 within the opening three overs. With the score reduced to 29/2, Kishan took charge of the innings.

The left-hander produced a fluent 81 off just 44 balls, guiding India to 219/5. His effort laid the platform for a commanding 90-run victory over Zimbabwe and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Despite the growing attention around India’s young power-hitters, Kishan said he prefers to stay focused on his own game.

“I don’t give so much focus to what’s happening outside,” said the 28-year-old after registering his second fifty in three T20I innings.

He added that comparisons with teammates are not something he thinks about. “I know the way I have to play and what’s important is to just be in the moment. Don’t think about who is getting more runs or who is hitting more,” Kishan further added. 

Importance of the No. 3 role

Kishan explained that batting at No. 3 requires adaptability, especially when early wickets fall. “Everyone can have that image in the team. But as a number three batter, you need to understand what’s important when two wickets are down early,” he said. 

After reaching his half-century in 31 deliveries, Kishan accelerated in the final stages of his innings by scoring another 31 runs from just 13 balls. His powerful strokeplay through the leg side stood out during the knock.

He stressed that reading the conditions is equally important. “You want to keep going. You want to take your chances or build a partnership. You need to understand the wicket and what’s happening.”

Kishan also highlighted the value of staying mentally present while batting. “When you are in those 22 yards, you just need to be aware of what’s happening around you and what you want from the game.”

Hard work behind his comeback

Kishan’s return to India’s white-ball setup followed a challenging phase after losing his central contract in early 2024. Looking back, he said he decided to respond through performances instead of dwelling on setbacks.

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“Either I want to cry about it or I want to work hard and get into the team. I chose the second option. Working hard, getting runs and making my team win,” Kishan was spotted saying. 

He also shared his approach during difficult moments. “When things are not going your way, it’s better to think about performance rather than feeling sorry about things which are not in your control.”

Kishan acknowledged the role of those closest to him during that period. “A lot of support came from my friends and family. They made sure I stayed positive and happy. I did my part, but a lot of people were involved in this journey,” Ishan said in this regard. 

Kishan’s advice for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Kishan also spoke about 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who bounced back from a difficult debut series in England by scoring his maiden T20I half-century in the opening match against Zimbabwe.

The senior batter praised the youngster’s cricketing awareness while reminding him to ignore distractions away from the field.

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“Vaibhav is actually very smart. He knows what he is doing. He knows how he has to bat and how he has to carry himself on and off the field,” Kishan praised Vaibhav. 

Kishan revealed that senior players regularly guide the teenager.”When you represent India, you have to know what to focus on. Me, Abhishek, Axar bhai and many others keep telling him to think about cricket, not social media or outside noise.”

“If he stays on the pitch, the difference he can create for the team is huge. A player who can attack from the first ball can take you to 80-90 runs in the powerplay,” Kishan further said on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s batting prowess.

Speaking about the team’s role in supporting the youngster, Kishan added, “When you have such a player and you know that he is very young, you will never want him to be distracted for the wrong reasons. So our job as a team, we are like brothers and he comes from my place, so we just have to be happy, focus on the important things, the mistakes we have made in our starting, he should not do that. He should enjoy his cricket, like he is doing now.”

FAQs

What did Ishan Kishan say about Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?

Kishan said he focuses on his own role and does not worry about who scores more runs or gets more attention.

How did Ishan Kishan perform in the second T20I against Zimbabwe?

He scored 81 off 44 balls, helping India post 219/5 and secure a 90-run win to clinch the T20I series.