Following India’s commanding win over Namibia in the ICC T20 World Cup, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan said the team has already completed its preparation for Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq’s sidearm action and will now focus on playing its natural game.
Kishan’s explosive 24-ball 61, studded with six fours and five sixes, handed India a flying start. Despite a brief slowdown in the middle overs, contributions from Hardik Pandya, who smashed a 28-ball 52, powered India to 209/9.
Namibia came out aggressively in the powerplay, attacking the Indian pacers to reach 57/1. However, the spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel derailed the chase. Chakravarthy (3/7) and Axar (2/20) tightened the screws before Hardik chipped in with two wickets, as Namibia were bowled out for 116 in 18.2 overs.
Speaking after the match, Kishan said facing Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus, an off-spinner with a sidearm action, served as useful preparation ahead of India’s February 15 clash against Pakistan.
Also Read: T20 World Cup: India cruise past Namibia but warning signs emerge ahead of Pakistan clash
“I think we’ve already done the preparation part. Now it’s just about watching the ball and playing our natural game,” Kishan said about tackling Tariq. “In T20 cricket, if the ball is there to hit, you go for it. We’ve watched videos and have a fair idea of what to expect. We’re keeping it simple. He bowled well today, and there was learning for the team.”
Kishan admitted that while the pitch appeared flat, the ball initially held up a bit, making boundary-hitting difficult. He and Sanju Samson chose to assess conditions before targeting the loose deliveries.
Reflecting on his transformation since leading Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title last year, Kishan said he has matured significantly.
“I am a changed man now, to be honest. I still enjoy jokes, but earlier it was 24x7. Now it’s just for a couple of hours. I am focusing more on my batting and wicketkeeping because that’s what will help the team. Everything else is secondary,” he added.
With two wins in two matches, India sit atop Group A, level on points with Pakistan but ahead on net run rate, setting up a high-stakes encounter between the rivals.
