By – Prakarsh Kastwar
Ishan explained the rationale for India’s decision to send him ahead of Kohli as well as the part that the former India captain played in the strategy.
After Mohammed Siraj’s five-wicket haul resulted in West Indies being dismissed for 255 runs, giving the visitors a 183-run advantage in the first innings, Team India went into Bazball mode on Sunday. Yasasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma, the opening combination, sped to a 98-run stand in only 71 balls, with Sharma making his quickest-ever Test fifty.
Virat Kohli was anticipated to continue the momentum after the pair were dismissed in consecutive overs after he had struck an incredible century in the first innings. But the Indian squad unexpectedly changed course, and Ishan Kishan exited at position No. 4. Later, the young man explained the rationale for India’s decision to send him ahead of Kohli, as well as the part played by the former India captain.
After scoring 57 runs off of 44 balls in the 12th over, Rohit was out. Yashasvi Jaiswal followed five deliveries later, having failed to reach the fifty-run mark for the first time in the series. Although Shubman Gill and Kohli were expected to further India’s domination, the former was helped by his pal Ishan, who entered the field at No. 4 in place of the 34-year-old. In fact, the left-handed batsman reached his first half-century before India declared their second innings at 181 for two by slamming a scorching 34-ball 52.
After Day 4’s proceedings, which were hampered by rain, Ishan said that Kohli had encouraged him to bat at No. 4 and play his natural game.
“The fifty years were truly wonderful. I was aware of what the team required of me. Everybody supported me. Virat encouraged me and said, “Go play your game.” Let’s hope that we can complete the game tomorrow. Virat bhai was the one who took the initiative and suggested that I enter. There was a left-armer bowling slowly. The decision was wise for the group. After the game for the day, Kishan stated, “You sometimes have to take these calls.
“”After the rain break, we planned to bat for 10 to 12 overs and score 70 to 80 runs. We sought a 370–380 objective, he continued.
West Indies eventually finished Day 4 with 76 for two, falling short of India’s lofty 365-run target. R Ashwin claimed both wickets. The home team is still 289 runs away from an unlikely victory.