In a pulsating warm-up clash at DY Patil Sports Academy, India outsmarted South Africa by 30 runs, fueled by Ishan Kishan’s explosive 53 off 20 balls—seven massive sixes and two boundaries as opener. Retiring out after his fireworks, Kishan emphasized his readiness to adapt positions ahead of the World Cup.
Reflecting on the match, he noted, ‘I was thrilled to play. Number three suited me today, but World Cup demands flexibility—I’ll bat wherever needed, prioritizing team success.’ His knock showcased fearless cricket, capitalizing on a true pitch.
Delving deeper, Kishan revealed his mindset: ‘Living in the now, eyes on the ball, reacting naturally—that’s key. Days vary in form, but this surface was superb for batting throughout. I relied on bounce and played positively, even with fielders lurking. World Cup pressure means trusting your shot if it’s on.’
Teammate Tilak Varma complemented with 45 off 19 (three sixes, three fours) and chipped in with bowling. ‘He’s evolved,’ Kishan lauded. ‘Beyond batting, his overs against lefties are gold, top fielding, and ideal at three for strike rotation and pace.’
India’s 240/whatever defense was gritty. ‘Improvement scope exists,’ Kishan conceded. ‘We’ll dissect bowling strategies, but we managed well here—limited big hits, strong showing. Discussions will sharpen us further.’ As World Cup looms, Kishan’s adaptability signals India’s depth.