India vs Sri Lanka: I was determined to hit a six off the first ball, says Ishan Kishan Cricket News – Times of India

Colombo: Young Ishan came out to bat in his first ODI against Sri Lanka Kishan He had announced in the dressing room that he would hit a six off the first ball, regardless of the bowler and where the ball would be pitched.
And he did what he promised by hitting a six Dhananjaya De Silva, off-spinner of the home team.
Kishan, who celebrated his 23rd birthday with a blistering innings of 59 runs in 42 balls, told his teammate Yuzvendra Chahal On bcci.tv he knew the surface was not providing enough support to the slow bowlers.

“I kept (the wicket) till 50 overs and understood that the pitch did not help the spinners much. So I was determined that wherever the bowler pitches, I will hit him for six. I told this to everyone. To bat dressing room before leaving,” Kishan said.

Asked why he wanted to watch every ball during the opening phase, the Jharkhand keeper-batsman said it was the confidence he gained while batting at the nets in the run-up to the series.

“Practice is very important and I was in good touch during the net session. The pitch on which we practiced was also of similar nature. So since I was connecting well, I didn’t need to do anything differently. That’s all. Execute it in a match situation. No change in game-plan. If the ball is on my radar, I will hit it,” Kishan said.
He also said that receiving the India cap from skipper Shikhar Dhawan was a really special moment.
“There cannot be a more proud moment than receiving your India cap. I was cherishing it and all my friends in the team also wanted me to get the cap.
Kishan said, “It was a special feeling when my teammates shook hands. You know your family is watching too and this is a big occasion for them.”