INTIMIDATING ISHAN KISHAN
82 runs
81 balls
9 fours
2 sixes
101.23 strike rate
Ishan Kishan is known for his aggressive and attacking batting style who can play a wide range of shots and capable of hitting boundaries all around the ground. This is exactly what he did vs Pakistan. He used his wrist movement and timed the shots perfectly to register a brilliant and a much-needed knock at important time of the game. It looked like he has a point to prove. He used all his strength to play big shots at regular intervals. He is a perfect middle-order batsman. He is not muscular like other players, so he has to use his own niche to get the job done. And that is, intelligence, technique and deception: which is called ‘magic’. Timing of the shot is very crucial for him as he has to suffice for power and stamina. He played spinners very well. All shots against them were sure-shot ones. Never looked like getting beaten or risky. Also, luck was in his favor as some boundaries were really close. He made his luck by adjusting his posture and stance according to the delivery he faced. He played with patience as he read the mind of the bowler and played big shots when they least expected. Luck is made by acting rightly at right moment and that is what he did, his composure and instincts were absolutely spot-on as he played right shots at the right time, just what a batter has to do.
HEROIC HARDIK PANDYA
87 runs
90 balls
7 fours
1 six
96.67 strike rate
Hardik Pandya is known for his powerful batting style playing powerful shots and hitting huge sixes. He is a perfect finisher just like Dhoni who emerges at the end of the innings and accelerates the run rate. He is also known for his ability to clear the boundary with ease and play innovative shots He can also play important cameos lower down the order and has the capability to change the course of a match quickly with his aggressive batting style. But, against Pakistan, his turn came quickly and he had a whole lot of work to do with many overs to go. So, as expected, he played his role very well as a holding player and carried the team on his back. To kickstart, he played slow and steady, taking smart singles and going for boundary only when it was certain. After reaching half-century, he was ruthless… played confident and audacious shots. At one point of time, it seemed that he will get us to 300+ total with his century on the horizon, but though he gave it all, he fell just short; he somehow gave India a fighting score on the board. This is just what we expect from our vice-captain: playing vice-captain innings. Take a bow, young man!
JOLTING JASPRIT BUMRAH
16 runs
14 balls
3 fours
114.29 strike rate
Nobody expected what Jasprit Bumrah did with his bat against fierce Pakistan bowling attack. Those 3 boundaries could have been game-changing if rain did not play spoilsport. He was enjoying out there playing a part as a bonus run-scorer. He struck all 3 straight down the ground which seems like his forte with the bat. That was an icing on the cake for India and Bumrah should be proud of himself with what he did opposite of his role considering he is a bowler and not even an all-rounder.
