In World Cup, we played like a champion side, and I felt bit bad to miss out: Ishan Kishan

India have taken a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against Australia, and Ishan Kishan has played a stellar role, notching up back-to-back half-centuries. He spoke to JioCinema experts in Thiruvananthapuram, post the second match on Sunday. Excerpts: 

On the inner fire in the belly. Where does that come from? 

I think it’s all hunger. In the World Cup, we played like a champion side, and I was missing out. I was feeling a bit bad, but you can’t help it. In international cricket, the time will come when you are not playing, but you have to stay fresh in your mind and make it count when the time comes. When you get the opportunity, you have to go for it. 

On the India-Australia T20I series being used in preparation for the 2024 T20 World Cup. 

Obviously. We are just getting nine games before the World Cup, so we have to make the most of these opportunities. At the same time, today’s game was fun. There was an expectation that the wicket would turn, but that did not happen because of the dew factor. Going ahead, it’s important for us as a young team to analyse the wicket as soon as possible, adapt to the conditions, and play accordingly.

On taking time to settle in, in the current series.

It’s important to respect those balls that have been bowled well. Australia always come with plans against all batsmen. So, I was just trying to keep it simple. But when the time comes and you have to charge the bowlers, you have to go for it because nowadays we know that in T20 cricket 170-180 runs are not safe. We were just trying to keep things simple and targeting the gaps. 

On his bat swing. Has he always had it that way? 

I have always been an attacking batsman. When it comes to power-hitting the credit goes to my dietician and chef. I have hired too many guys, paying a lot of money, so I have to ensure I keep doing the good work. 

On clarity and the fearless approach of the team 

When you are not playing, and watching the game from the outside, you have to observe how the big players are playing. How they are taking the game deep, how they target the bowlers when they accelerate. So, these things are very important for us because it’s never going to be easy. So if the processes and practice sessions are good, you need to take the same momentum into the matches. 

On preparations involved in power-hitting 

I did not play most of the games in the World Cup. I was sitting out after two matches, so there was a lot of practice that I did. I was talking to the coaches, with the captain, and I knew that when T20 comes, my time will come and I have to be in a good mindset.