During India’s Asian Games semi-final against Sri Lanka, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar commended Ishan Kishan for his batting evolution, emphasising that the left-hander has refined his game and acquired the ability to adjust to varying conditions.
In an interview with Sony Sports Network during the innings break, Manjrekar contemplated Kishan’s transformation from a combative, muscle-first batter to a more comprehensive player. Additionally, he contrasted his progression with that of Rishabh Pant, with whom Kishan collaborated during India’s Under-19 era.
Manjrekar stated that one of the most significant questions regarding Kishan during his early career was whether or not he could adapt his approach to various conditions and circumstances.
The former India batsman then recalled observing Kishan and Pant during the 2016 Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh. Manjrekar contends that Kishan’s initial strategy was significantly reliant on power, and his technique and balance still require improvement.
Nevertheless, Sanjay Manjrekar is of the opinion that Kishan has now incorporated a greater degree of adaptability and control into his natural attacking style. Kishan’s evaluation was prompted by his crucial unbeaten knock of 80 off 46 balls in the semi-final, despite India’s consistent wicket losses at the other end.
The former batter emphasised Kishan’s shot selection and balance on a slow surface, emphasising his capacity to evaluate the ball’s location and adjust his response accordingly.
Sanjay Manjrekar also elaborated on Kishan’s ability to execute his straight lofted shots in defiance of the surface’s lack of pace.
Sanjay Manjrekar acknowledges that he once harboured reservations regarding Kishan’s prospects for India.
Sanjay Manjrekar most profound admission, however, was when he contemplated a period in which Kishan’s position in the Indian team was uncertain, despite the fact that he had already delivered one of the most significant individual innings in ODI cricket.
Kishan made history in December 2022 by scoring a double century against Bangladesh, becoming the youngest batter to achieve this milestone in men’s ODIs. Nevertheless, he encountered difficulty in establishing himself as a consistent performer in various formats, as the competition for positions also intensified.
Sanjay Manjrekar acknowledged that there was a period during which he questioned whether Kishan would continue to be a part of India’s plans, as he reflected on Kishan’s journey since that time.
India’s innings concluded at 169/7, with Kishan’s knock being notably significant. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored a rapidfire 38 before being dismissed while attempting to assault the bowling attack, as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
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Kishan was able to play a more controlled innings after Abhishek Sharma fell while attempting to take on the bowling. The evolution Manjrekar was alluding to was underscored by the contrast in approaches, as Kishan demonstrated the capacity to balance aggression with improved shot selection on a difficult surface.
