Bhubaneswar: Despite having good time behind the stumps, wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan didn’t get much time to bat in the middle during India’s first Test match against hosts West Indies.
In a good news to Ishan, captain Rohit has thrown his weight behind him. As per Rohit, Ishan has the freedom to play aggressive cricket even in the longest format of the game. The India captain also opened up about his recent conversations with the Mumbai Indians star amid India’s ongoing Windies tour.
“Ishan is a very talented player. We have seen it in the short career that he has had for India. He scored a double hundred in limited overs. He has the game, we have the responsibility to chisel that talent. We have to give him opportunities. He is a left-handed batter. He likes playing aggressive cricket. I have had clear discussions with him. I have explained to him how the team management wants him to play. He has been given freedom. He has the game, he needs the freedom and we will give him the opportunity,” said Rohit.
“I would like to speak specifically about Ishan’s wicket-keeping. He kept really, really well considering he played his first Test and to keep against Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja where the ball is turning and bouncing and some balls keeping low as well. I was very impressed with his keeping skills. Unfortunately he got to score just one run as we had to declare. We want our top-order batters bat long. If the opportunity comes to bat long, Ishan is raring to go,” Rohit added.
