IPL 2023: I knew the wicket was good – Ishan Kishan after match-winning knock against Punjab Kings

Mumbai Indians wicket-keeper bat Ishan Kishan played an instrumental role in helping his team win by six wickets against Punjab Kings at the IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Wednesday night. Kishan scored a blistering knock of 75 runs off just 41 balls to help his team chase down the huge total of 215 runs.

After playing a match-winning knock, Kishan was awarded Player of the Match. In fact, MI got off to a poor start as Rohit Sharma was dismissed without troubling the scorers in the first over of the run-chase.

However, Ishan Kishan added 54 runs with Cameron Green in the powerplay overs. Subsequently, he added 116 runs with Suryakumar Yadav, who scored a magnificent knock of 66 runs from only 31 balls to continue his good form.

In fact, Kishan hasn’t been at his absolute best in the ongoing season but he batted at the top of his game to deliver the goods for the team.

After having kept wickets on the pitch for 20 overs, Ishan knew that the track was good for batting as Punjab Kings also posted a par score of 214 runs on the board after a brilliant knock from Liam Livingstone.

Ishan Kishan said in the post-match presentation, “The wicket was too good for batting, I kept for 20 overs and knew the wicket was good. If it is in my arc, I will go for it. He (Rishi) was swinging the ball, I thought of stepping out as the keeper wasn’t near. The message was to watch the ball and hit. I think it doesn’t matter much when you are chasing 215 (whether the fielder is there or not in the areas you try and hit big shots).”

He added, “Last game we did well and finished in the last over. I try to finish it as soon as possible. I think fitness is very important. We keep on training hard. We also try to work out during the match. Credit goes to mom’s food as it is important to eat well.”

Ishan Kishan plays a key role for Mumbai Indians at the top of the order and he will look to carry the good show in the upcoming matches. The pugnacious southpaw has scored 286 runs in nine matches at an average of 31.78 and a strike rate of 139.51.

Mumbai Indians will next face Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Saturday.