Ishan Kishan, who has made a stupendous comeback to international cricket in the recent series against New Zealand, seized the spotlight once again, this time in the warm-up against South Africa at the D.Y. Patil Stadium on Wednesday, continuing his rich vein of form in T20 cricket with a blistering unbeaten 53 off just 20 balls before retiring out. (X/BCCI)
At the T20 World Cup squad announcement press conference back in December, captain Suryakumar Yadav was unequivocal about one thing. For India to maximise their impact at the top of the order in their title defence, they needed an explosive wicketkeeper-batter who could seize the powerplay and put opposition bowlers under immediate pressure. On Thursday in Navi Mumbai, it was Ishan Kishan who seized the spotlight once again, continuing his rich vein of form in T20 cricket with a blistering unbeaten 53 off just 20 balls against South Africa in the official warm-up match before retiring out. The innings was not just another cameo; it was a statement, delivered with clarity and intent.
At the toss ahead, Suryakumar had also alluded to the reigning champions wanting to challenge themselves by looking to defend a score in the second innings. That attempt proved fruitful as the holders defeated South Africa by 30 runs to head into the tournament opener on a high.
The cornerstone to the victory was set up by the batters, and Kishan in particular. Much has been said about Kishan’s evolution in recent months, particularly his offside hitting. He has increasingly taken the aerial route through cover and extra-cover, clearing the infield with ease and turning good-length deliveries into boundary options. Against South Africa, though, Kishan revealed another dimension to his game.
The Proteas opted for a heavy back-of-a-length approach, looking to cramp him for room. Kishan responded by going leg-side with authority. Pull shots rolled off the bat with minimal effort, while flicks off the hips sailed into the stands, exposing gaps that South Africa were slow to plug.
The fifth over, bowled by Anrich Nortje, summed up Kishan’s night. Three sixes followed in quick succession – each more audacious than the last. A supple flick over deep backward square leg, a wristy whip over fine leg, and then a seemingly casual pick-up over the same region that drew a grin from Kishan himself. It was power married with timing, but also confidence bordering on inevitability.
At the other end stood Abhishek Sharma, a batter no less destructive on his day. Yet even he appeared content to watch Kishan dominate, perhaps recognising that, at this moment, Kishan represented a more immediate threat to the opposition. It was a subtle but telling dynamic.
Kishan brought up his fifty off just 20 balls with another towering hit over midwicket, the DY Patil Stadium erupting as the crowd fed off his momentum. When he chose to retire soon after, the message had already been delivered. Suryakumar patted him on the helmet as he walked into the dugout, a gesture that carried more meaning than words.
Tilak Varma, who impressed for India A against the USA on Monday, produced yet another sizzling innings, making 45 off 19 balls. Hardik Pandya gave the innings the late impetus it needed, cracking 30 off 10 balls to propel the hosts to a gigantic score.
Defending 240 runs, India tried as many as nine bowling options, using the match as an opportunity to assess combinations. Notably, Jasprit Bumrah was not used. South Africa took advantage of his absence early, throwing caution to the wind. Ryan Rickelton led the charge with a brisk 44 off 21 balls, while captain Aiden Markram struck a fluent 38 off 19 deliveries, both batters ensuring the chase never entirely fizzled out. Tristan Stubbs produced a late assault, but by then the game was almost in India’s grasp.
Among the Indian bowlers, Varun Chakaravarthy stood out. Bowling with control and subtle changes of pace, the spinner conceded just 12 runs in his two overs and accounted for Rickelton. Kuldeep Yadav, however, struggled to find rhythm, conceding 25 runs in his two overs, while the pacers found it difficult to nail their lengths on a batting-friendly surface. Shivam Dube endured the toughest outing, going for 57 runs in his four overs as South Africa swung freely.
Brief Scores: India 240/6 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 53, Tilak Varma 45) beat South Africa 210/7 in 20 overs (Tristan Stubbs 45 not out, Ryan Rickelton 44; Abhishek Sharma 2/32) by 30 runs.
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