NEW DELHI: Ishan Kishan, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman for Mumbai Indians, has adopted a pragmatic approach, focusing on his individual improvement and contributing to his team's progress in the IPL 2024, rather than fixating on securing a spot in India's T20 World Cup squad.
Following his blistering 34-ball 69 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kishan highlighted his evolved mindset, which he cultivated during a recent hiatus from cricket.
"About the World Cup, it is not in my hands and I am taking things very easy right now. You have to take one match at a time. One needs to understand that a lot is not in the hands of the players," Kishan remarked in the post-match press conference.
Emphasizing the significance of the IPL, Kishan underscored the importance of staying grounded and focusing on each game individually.
"It's a very big tournament and you do not want to overstep. I am just taking one game at a time and however I can help the team, let's do it," he added.
Kishan's recent absence from the national team sparked controversy, particularly after he requested a break during India's tour of South Africa in December. Despite the setbacks, Kishan remained resilient, honing his cricketing skills during his time away from the spotlight.
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Returning to competitive cricket in February, Kishan's dedication and hard work have paid dividends in the IPL. Currently, he leads the run-scoring charts for Mumbai Indians with 161 runs from five matches, showcasing his ability to provide early momentum with a strike rate of 182.95.
However, Kishan emphasized that his performance is not about proving a point to his detractors. "There is nothing like that (that) I want to prove to someone. I just have to go there and enjoy," he stated.
1/9:Mumbai Indians thump Royal Challengers Bengaluru
<p>Mumbai Indians thump Royal Challengers Bengaluru</p>AFP
2/9:A starry reunion
<p>The electrifying contest witnessed passionate cheers for stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, along with intermittent boos for MI skipper Hardik Pandya.</p>AFP
3/9:Bumrah's Magical Spell
<p>Jasprit Bumrah's magical five-wicket haul dismantled RCB's batting lineup, stifling their run-scoring and paving the way for Mumbai Indians' dominant performance with the ball.</p>AFP
4/9:Karthik's Late Blitz
<p>Dinesh Karthik's late blitz, accompanied by crucial contributions from Faf du Plessis and Rajat Patidar, propelled RCB to a challenging total of 196/8.</p>AFP
5/9:Rohit and Kishan's Partnership
<p>Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan's explosive partnership of 101 runs off 53 balls for the first wicket laid a solid foundation for Mumbai Indians' emphatic victory, leaving RCB struggling to contain the onslaught.</p>AFP
6/9:Sensational SKY
<p>Suryakumar Yadav's scintillating 52 off 19 deliveries, adorned with four sixes and five fours, showcased his exquisite strokeplay as Mumbai Indians cruised past RCB's imposing target in just 15.3 overs.</p>AFP
7/9:Kishan's Explosive Innings
<p>Ishan Kishan's explosive knock of 69 runs off just 34 balls, embellished with seven boundaries and five towering sixes, set the tone for Mumbai Indians' chase, leaving RCB's bowlers reeling.</p>AFP
8/9:Mumbai Indians' Dominant Victory
<p>Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan led the charge with electrifying batting performances, propelling Mumbai Indians to a commanding seven-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru.</p>AFP
9/9:Hardik Pandya's Impact
<p>Hardik Pandya silenced the critics with a blistering cameo of 21 runs off just 6 balls, smashing three towering sixes to steer Mumbai Indians to victory and earn the adulation of the fans.</p>AFPDisplaying a mature perspective, Kishan acknowledged the importance of focusing on controllables rather than uncontrollables, emphasizing the development of a resilient mindset.
"This is where getting a good mindset works. The Ishan Kishan of the past would not have left the balls alone if the bowling was good in the first two overs. But with time I have learned that a 20-over game is also very long and you can take your time and move forward while keeping the belief in yourself," he remarked.
(With inputs from PTI)
