Ishan Kishan’s promotion to number 4 in place of the centurion Virat Kohli, came as a surprise for many but India wanted the southpaw to showcase his power-hitting skills in a bid to add quick runs.
And so he did.
Kishan, playing in his second Test, however did so holding a special bat in his hand. 'RP17' was engraved on the willow, denoting the special connection with Rishabh Pant.
Playing Pant-esque shots, including several one-handed sixes, Kishan achieved his maiden Test fifty in just 33 balls. It was a signature single-handed six that Kishan smacked to complete the half-century.
Speaking post at the end of Day 4, Kishan credited a lot of his performance to Pant, who is currently recuperating from a devastating car accident from December 2022.
The 25-year-old said, 'I was at NCA before this. Pant was also there. He knows how I play. We have known each other since under-19 days. I also wanted someone to advise me and luckily he was there to tell me something about my bat positioning.'
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