West Indies vs India 2023

‘Kohli bhaiya hain he dildaar’ – Fans react to Virat Kohli backing Ishan Kishan to play an no. 4 against West Indies

Ishan Kishan was able to notch up his maiden fifty in Test match cricket during Day 4 of the second Test

by
July 24, 2023

Ishan Kishan, the wicketkeeper-batter for Team India, claims that Virat Kohli, the veteran batter, made the initiative to let him go up to number four on Day 4 during the Trinidad Test versus the West Indies on Sunday. The southpaw stated that Kohli urged him to employ his natural game and gave him encouragement.

India’s openers attacked the opposition mercilessly during the second innings after bowling down West Indies for 255 during the first. In 11.5 overs, Yashasvi Jaiswal who scored 38, along with Rohit Sharma, who notched up his fifty, accumulated 98 runs together until both were dismissed trying to score quickly.

In an effort to maintain the momentum, India subsequently sent Kishan up to bat at the number four spot instead of Kohli. The left-handed batsman paid back the confidence by scoring his first Test fifty, slamming 52* off 34 balls in a furious innings that included four fours as well as two sixes.

I knew what the team needed from me: Ishan Kishan

Speaking after the day’s play, Kishan explained why his promotion to the top of the batting order was made. He said, “It was really special (maiden Test fifty). I knew what the team needed from me. Everyone backed me. Virat backed me and told me ‘Go and play your game’. Let us hope we will finish the game tomorrow. It was Virat bhai who took the initiative and told me that I should go in.”

The Mumbai Indians player spoke about the call to go early since the left-arm spinner was bowling. He said, “There was a slow left-armer who was bowling. It was a good call for the team. Sometimes you need to take these calls,” the 25-year-old went on to add.”

India gave West Indies a target of 365 runs to chase down in 130 overs after they declared their innings after just 24 overs. It was a good call from the Indian team management considering that this would give enough time to the Indian bowlers to have a crack at the West Indian batters and win their nation the game.

Fans react to Virat Kohli backing Ishan Kishan to play at no. 4 against West Indies:

Ishan Kishan said, "it was Virat Kohli's initiative to send me at No.4, he knew a left arm spinner was bowling and it'll help a lefty. He backed me to score runs". pic.twitter.com/laNfnSNqRc
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 24, 2023