Mumbai: Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has praised Ishan Kishan’s ability to effectively use the pace of bowlers, calling it a major factor behind the left-hander’s impressive batting performances in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand.
Kishan has been in fine form in the series, playing a crucial role in India taking an unassailable 3–0 lead in the five-match contest. He is currently the fourth-highest run-scorer in the series, having amassed 112 runs from three matches at an outstanding strike rate of 224.00 and an average of 37.33.
After managing just eight runs in the opening match, Kishan bounced back strongly with a blistering 76 off 32 balls in the second T20I, helping India chase down a daunting 209-run target in just 15.2 overs. In the third T20I, he provided another rapid start with 28 off 13 balls as India successfully chased 154 in 15 overs.
Speaking ahead of the fourth T20I on Game Plan, JioStar expert Parthiv Patel said Kishan’s success stems from his ability to handle good-length deliveries by using the pace intelligently. Patel noted that Kishan scores freely through the offside and is equally effective at pulling short balls, making him difficult to contain.
“As a bowling coach, you ask your bowlers to hit the right length, around the top of off stump, and that is where most New Zealand bowlers have been bowling. But Ishan Kishan has the skill to use that pace and guide the ball through the offside. If it’s slightly short, he pulls it to mid-wicket or fine leg. That’s why he has been so successful,” Patel said.
Patel also highlighted that Kishan’s strong domestic form has boosted his confidence. “He has plenty of runs behind him from domestic cricket and is batting brilliantly. He looks relaxed, enjoying his game, and not putting extra pressure on himself about selection,” he added.
Kishan had an outstanding Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025–26 season with Jharkhand, leading the team to their maiden SMAT title. Prior to his return to the Indian squad, the left-hander had last featured in a T20I in 2023 against Australia.
