IND vs NZ 2026: 'Did not play for his place' - Former India selector heaps praise on Ishan Kishan's fearless innings

Former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth has lauded Ishan Kishan for batting without thinking about his own spot in the squad. Kishan's explosive 32-ball 76 led India to a seven-wicket win with 28 deliveries to spare in the second T20I of the ongoing series against New Zealand.

Srikkanth was full of praise for Kishan's eye-catching knock. According to him, the New Zealand bowlers were left helpless through the manner in which the southpaw was striking the ball while playing alongside T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav. 

"Very happy for Ishan Kishan. They were two down, a crucial match. He did not play for his place. He still continued his natural game. He and Suryakumar Yadav played how they would play for Mumbai Indians, like it was an IPL match. In all fairness, Ishan Kishan's knock was a treat to watch. The best part was the shots he played. No risk at all. Still, look at his strike rate. What can the bowlers do if he plays like this? He was toying with all the bowlers," shared Srikkanth in a video on his YouTube channel.

The 66-year-old also reflected on the moment the match had gotten out of the Kiwis' hands. He felt that Matt Henry should have got another over (in the third over of the chase) after striking in the first.

"When they gave away 24 runs in the third over, the match was done there. That was where it was a major captaincy blunder from New Zealand. When you have gotten wickets, the third over should have also gone to Matt Henry right?," he added.

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Kishan's knock comprised 11 fours and four sixes. He got dismissed on the first ball of the 10th over, bringing an end to a whirlwind knock. Kishan, who had scored only eight in the series-opening clash, was awarded the Player of the Match award for his innings in Raipur. India enter the third T20I of the series with a 2-0 lead to their name.