R Ashwin heaped praise on Ishan Kishan, saying there are very few players going around who exude as much positivity as the wicketkeeper-batter does in the dressing room. The legendary off-spinner revealed interesting bits from the Indian change room, highlighting Ishan Kishan’s ‘great’ attitude and his willingness to make people around him comfortable.
Ishan Kishan made his ODI debut in July 2021 and has played 17 matches since. The Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter has not had consistent opportunities but he has been making heads turn with his performances in the lead-up to the ODI World Cup, starting October 5.
Kishan’s ODI career has been marked by several significant milestones. In December 2022, he scored an astounding 210 runs in 131 balls against Bangladesh, becoming the youngest cricketer to score an ODI double century. This feat also made him the first player to convert a maiden ODI century into a double century.
In July 2023, Kishan’s performance in the ODI series against West Indies was nothing short of spectacular. He scored three consecutive half-centuries in the series, demonstrating his consistency and prowess as a batsman. His knock of 77 off 64 balls in the final ODI laid the foundation for India’s massive score of 351/5. His opening partnership of 143 runs with Shubman Gill was instrumental in India’s victory by 200 runs in the series decider.
“Whenever Ishan Kishan has gotten opportunities in the white-ball formats, he has used them really well. Even in the last Test match when he got an opportunity to bat higher up the order, he score a quick-fire half-century. Ishan Kishan has been a wonderful kid,” Ashwin said in his YouTube show, recalling his early days where he was happy to help his teammates while being on the bench.
“If any player is playing, he will first take the gloves of the player and be ready. He will arrange their bats if they require a change at any point. He will make all the players feel comfortable around him. He will entertain all the players in the dressing room. He doesn’t have one negative energy in his body. He is the embodiment of positivity.
“He always has a smile on his face. He has a great attitude. I feel so happy whenever he makes use of the opportunities he gets,” he added.
Ishan Kishan is in the reckoning for a spot in the ODI World Cup squad. Despite the intense competition, Ishan has done enough to warrant a look-in from the selectors. If KL Rahul, who is recovering from a thigh injury, is unavailable, Ishan might even get opporunties in the first XI at the premier 50-over tournament.
