Team India is busy finalising their combination for the 2022 T20 World Cup, set to be held in Australia later this year. Before the marquee tournament, India still have to play plenty of series&nbsp;as they can tinker with their team combination in order to finalise their ideal XI.&nbsp;

A second-stringed Rishabh Pant-led Indian team recently played South Africa in a five-match T20I series at home, which ended in a 2-2 stalemate with the final match being abandoned due to persistent rain in Bengaluru on June 19. Despite a disappointing end to the series, India had plenty of positives with the form and performances of Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

After the series, Little Master Sunil Gavaskar&nbsp;mentioned a star player who could be one of Rohit Sharma's trump cards in the forthcoming T20 World Cup Down Under. Gavaskar hailed Harshal Patel as the fast-bowling all-rounder who impressed bowling in tough situations in the SA series and returned with&nbsp;seven wickets in four innings at&nbsp;12.57 and an economy rate of 7.23. He was, thus, the highest wicket-taker in the series.

Thus, Gavaskar told Star Sports, “He will be one of the trumps cards because you have Bhuvneshwar, Shami and Bumrah as well. Brilliant for a skipper to have someone like him to depend on, He can come in and bowl may be even in the powerplay where people are now going with change of pace. So yes he certainly should be part of the group."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/graeme-smith-names-star-player-as-rohit-sharma-led-indias-x-factor-for-2022-t20-world-cup-490209">Graeme Smith names star player as Rohit Sharma-led India's 'X-factor' for 2022 T20 World Cup</a>

Former SA captain Graeme Smith, who was also part of the same panel, agreed with Gavaskar and added, “He has been excellent. Nobody skills in the death overs with the slower balls...but I feel from game 3 he found his right length and picked up wickets and kept the pressure on the South Africans. He has all the skills as an all-rounder bowler and is a big asset to the team and handles pressure very well and is a clear thinker under pressure."

Harshal will next be seen in action in India's two-match T20I series versus Ireland, in Dublin, on June 26 and 28.

Team India is busy finalising their combination for the 2022 T20 World Cup, set to be held in Australia later this year. Before the marquee tournament, India still have to play plenty of series as they can tinker with their team combination in order to finalise their ideal XI.

Team India is busy finalising their combination for the 2022 T20 World Cup, set to be held in Australia later this year. Before the marquee tournament, India still have to play plenty of series as they can tinker with their team combination in order to finalise their ideal XI. A second-stringed Rishabh Pant-led Indian team recently played South Africa in a five-match T20I series at home, which ended in a 2-2 stalemate with the final match being abandoned due to persistent rain in Bengaluru on June 19. Despite a disappointing end to the series, India had plenty of positives with the form and performances of Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. After the series, Little Master Sunil Gavaskar mentioned a star player who could be one of Rohit Sharma's trump cards in the forthcoming T20 World Cup Down Under. Gavaskar hailed Harshal Patel as the fast-bowling all-rounder who impressed bowling in tough situations in the SA series and returned with seven wickets in four innings at 12.57 and an economy rate of 7.23. He was, thus, the highest wicket-taker in the series. Thus, Gavaskar told Star Sports, “He will be one of the trumps cards because you have Bhuvneshwar, Shami and Bumrah as well. Brilliant for a skipper to have someone like him to depend on, He can come in and bowl may be even in the powerplay where people are now going with change of pace. So yes he certainly should be part of the group." ALSO READ | Graeme Smith names star player as Rohit Sharma-led India's 'X-factor' for 2022 T20 World Cup Former SA captain Graeme Smith, who was also part of the same panel, agreed with Gavaskar and added, “He has been excellent. Nobody skills in the death overs with the slower balls...but I feel from game 3 he found his right length and picked up wickets and kept the pressure on the South Africans. He has all the skills as an all-rounder bowler and is a big asset to the team and handles pressure very well and is a clear thinker under pressure." Harshal will next be seen in action in India's two-match T20I series versus Ireland, in Dublin, on June 26 and 28.

'He'll be one of the trumps cards' - Gavaskar feels India star will be integral to Rohit's T20 WC plans

India and South Africa's five-match T20I series ended in a stalemate, 2-2, after the fifth and final encounter was abandoned due to persistent rain in Bengaluru. Despite the series not determining a winner between both sides, there were a lot of positives for the hosts India, who were without many of their white-ball regulars.

The Rishabh Pant-led Indian team saw top performances from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who returned with the Player-of-the-Match, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Dinesh Karthik, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan and Yuzvendra Chahal. After the series, former SA captain Graeme Smith named two players who are now integral to India's T20I squad and named the X-factor for Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. heading into the 2022 T20 World Cup.

Speaking to&nbsp;cricket.com, batting icon Smith opined that Pandya and Karthik have become somewhat indispensable. In this regard, he opined, "Still a lot of cricket to be played so it is difficult to predict what is going to happen in the next couple of months but you are going to think Hardik and DK are integral to that squad. DK is experienced with that finishing role that he has played Hardik has grown leaps and bounds and is in control of his game."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hardik-pandya-spent-a-lot-of-time-with-dhoni-virat-but-has-his-own-brand-of-captaincy-ex-india-stumper-490187">Hardik Pandya spent a lot of time with Dhoni, Virat but has his own brand of captaincy: Ex-India stumper</a>

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On Hardik, Smith added, "Mentally he looks like he has settled. And he is also that all-rounder X Factor that India require to just balance the team with him and Jadeja in the squad which opens up a lot of options. So I can't see that those two not making it to the World Cup squad."

Both Hardik and DK will next be seen in action during India's forthcoming two-match T20I series versus Ireland, in Dublin, on June 26 and 28.
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India and South Africa's five-match T20I series ended in a stalemate, 2-2, after the fifth and final encounter was abandoned due to persistent rain in Bengaluru.

India and South Africa's five-match T20I series ended in a stalemate, 2-2, after the fifth and final encounter was abandoned due to persistent rain in Bengaluru. Despite the series not determining a winner between both sides, there were a lot of positives for the hosts India, who were without many of their white-ball regulars. The Rishabh Pant-led Indian team saw top performances from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who returned with the Player-of-the-Match, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Dinesh Karthik, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan and Yuzvendra Chahal. After the series, former SA captain Graeme Smith named two players who are now integral to India's T20I squad and named the X-factor for Rohit Sharma & Co. heading into the 2022 T20 World Cup. Speaking to cricket.com, batting icon Smith opined that Pandya and Karthik have become somewhat indispensable. In this regard, he opined, "Still a lot of cricket to be played so it is difficult to predict what is going to happen in the next couple of months but you are going to think Hardik and DK are integral to that squad. DK is experienced with that finishing role that he has played Hardik has grown leaps and bounds and is in control of his game." ALSO READ | Hardik Pandya spent a lot of time with Dhoni, Virat but has his own brand of captaincy: Ex-India stumper On Hardik, Smith added, "Mentally he looks like he has settled. And he is also that all-rounder X Factor that India require to just balance the team with him and Jadeja in the squad which opens up a lot of options. So I can't see that those two not making it to the World Cup squad." Both Hardik and DK will next be seen in action during India's forthcoming two-match T20I series versus Ireland, in Dublin, on June 26 and 28.

Graeme Smith names star player as Rohit Sharma-led India's 'X-factor' for 2022 T20 World Cup

Indian batter Ishan Kishan has entered the top 10, achieving the seventh spot in the ICC Men`s T20I Batter Rankings. Kishan has scores of 76, 34 and 54 from the opening three matches and that has seen the left-hander jump a massive 68 spots and inside the top 10 to seventh overall. The latest T20I rankings also pose good reading for Pakistan, with the Asian nation now holding the top two players on the latest rankings for batters. Veteran batter Mohammad Rizwan rises one spot to second, with South Africa`s Aiden Markram dropping a place to third following his absence from the ongoing T20I series against India due to COVID-19.

Pakistan captain Babar remains out in front of the T20I rankings for batters, while the biggest mover is India opener Ishan Kishan after his impressive start to the series against the Proteas. Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood has continued his recent rise as a dominant white-ball bowler by claiming the No.1 ranking on the latest ICC Men`s T20I Bowler rankings. Hazlewood finished as the leading wicket-taker with six scalps during Australia`s recent T20 series against Sri Lanka and that helped the right-armer catapult past South Africa`s Tabraiz Shamsi and England`s Adil Rashid into top spot on the rankings for bowlers. It continues a meteoric rise for the experienced 31-year-old, who did not play any 20-over cricket for Australia for more than four years between 2016 and 2020 and only recently found his groove in the shortest format of the game.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/yuzvendra-chahal-reveals-technical-changes-he-made-for-better-returns-after-indias-3rd-t20i-win-vs-sa-488379">Yuzvendra Chahal reveals technical changes he made for better returns after India's 3rd T20I win vs SA</a>

Before Hazlewood, the last Australian bowler to take the No.1 T20I spot was Nathan Bracken in 2008. Hazlewood shone during Australia`s successful ICC T20 World Cup campaign in Dubai last year and has improved even further during the first five and a half months of 2022. Hazlewood`s teammate Ashton Agar jumped three spots and was inside the top 10 at ninth, while Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana is the big mover as he rises 16 places to eighth overall.

India quick Bhuvneshwar Kumar is on the cusp of the top 10 in 11th place after his form during the opening three matches of the series against South Africa saw him rise to a career-best rating of 635 rating points.On the rankings for all-rounders, Australia`s Glenn Maxwell is the biggest mover inside the top 10 as he jumps two places to fourth.

Indian batter Ishan Kishan has entered the top 10, achieving the seventh spot in the ICC Men`s T20I Batter Rankings. Kishan has scores of 76, 34 and 54 from the opening three matches and that has seen the left-hander jump a massive 68 spots and inside the top 10 to seventh overall.

Indian batter Ishan Kishan has entered the top 10, achieving the seventh spot in the ICC Men`s T20I Batter Rankings. Kishan has scores of 76, 34 and 54 from the opening three matches and that has seen the left-hander jump a massive 68 spots and inside the top 10 to seventh overall. The latest T20I rankings also pose good reading for Pakistan, with the Asian nation now holding the top two players on the latest rankings for batters. Veteran batter Mohammad Rizwan rises one spot to second, with South Africa`s Aiden Markram dropping a place to third following his absence from the ongoing T20I series against India due to COVID-19. Pakistan captain Babar remains out in front of the T20I rankings for batters, while the biggest mover is India opener Ishan Kishan after his impressive start to the series against the Proteas. Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood has continued his recent rise as a dominant white-ball bowler by claiming the No.1 ranking on the latest ICC Men`s T20I Bowler rankings. Hazlewood finished as the leading wicket-taker with six scalps during Australia`s recent T20 series against Sri Lanka and that helped the right-armer catapult past South Africa`s Tabraiz Shamsi and England`s Adil Rashid into top spot on the rankings for bowlers. It continues a meteoric rise for the experienced 31-year-old, who did not play any 20-over cricket for Australia for more than four years between 2016 and 2020 and only recently found his groove in the shortest format of the game. ALSO READ | Yuzvendra Chahal reveals technical changes he made for better returns after India's 3rd T20I win vs SA Before Hazlewood, the last Australian bowler to take the No.1 T20I spot was Nathan Bracken in 2008. Hazlewood shone during Australia`s successful ICC T20 World Cup campaign in Dubai last year and has improved even further during the first five and a half months of 2022. Hazlewood`s teammate Ashton Agar jumped three spots and was inside the top 10 at ninth, while Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana is the big mover as he rises 16 places to eighth overall. India quick Bhuvneshwar Kumar is on the cusp of the top 10 in 11th place after his form during the opening three matches of the series against South Africa saw him rise to a career-best rating of 635 rating points.On the rankings for all-rounders, Australia`s Glenn Maxwell is the biggest mover inside the top 10 as he jumps two places to fourth.

ICC T20I Rankings: Ishan Kishan in top 10 after consistent performances in home series vs SA

Rishabh Pant-led India faced South Africa in the five-match T20I series opener in New Delhi, India on Thursday evening (June 09). In the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma, vice-captain KL Rahul, former skipper Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and some other key players, Pant &amp; Co. couldn't&nbsp;help India achieve a world record of most successive T20I wins (13) courtesy of David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen's fifties in a run-fest in New Delhi, India.&nbsp;

Being asked to bat first, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, openers Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad took their chances and were lucky enough initially -- being rewarded for their positive intent -- as they put on a 57-run opening stand.&nbsp;

Against the run of play, Ruturaj fell but Ishan continued and hammered the bowlers whereas No. 3 batter Shreyas Iyer took on Tabraiz Shamsi. While Ishan fell for a 48-ball 76, and Iyer followed suit, Pant and Hardik Pandya's cameos (12-ball 31*) took India to 211-4, the highest T20I score at the venue.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-can-lead-team-india-in-future-harbhajan-singh-lavishes-praise-on-hardik-pandyas-leadership-486603">'He can lead Team India in future' - Harbhajan Singh lavishes praise on Hardik Pandya's leadership</a>

In reply, South Africa started with some good strokes before skipper Temba Bavuma fell to Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Quinton de Kock got a start whereas pinch-hitter Dwaine Pretorius went hard from his end as SA remained in the hunt.&nbsp;

Harshal Patel's change of pace completely outfoxed Pretorius (13-ball 29) as the onus&nbsp;quickly fell on in-form finisher David Miller. He was assisted by Rassie van der Dussen (75 not out), who wasn't at his best, but stood firm with Miller to keep Proteas alive.&nbsp;

Miller (unbeaten 64) got more than he could have asked for from Rassie, who was struggling in the middle, as the latter came to his own and smashed Harshal Patel in the 17th over, accumulating 22 runs (all in boundaries). From thereon, there was no looking back for the Proteas who rode on Miller-Rassie's unbroken 131-run fourth-wicket stand. The Harshal over sealed the deal for the visitors and&nbsp;they also&nbsp;prevented India from achieving a world record with the most successive T20I victories. In addition, Bavuma &amp; Co.&nbsp;recorded their highest successful run-chase ever.

Thus, the trio of Afghanistan, Romania and India&nbsp;enjoyed a&nbsp;12-match&nbsp;winning streak, however, the latter couldn't create history on Thursday evening.

Rishabh Pant-led India faced South Africa in the five-match T20I series opener in New Delhi, India on Thursday evening (June 09). In the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma, vice-captain KL Rahul, former skipper Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and some other key players, Pant & Co.

Rishabh Pant-led India faced South Africa in the five-match T20I series opener in New Delhi, India on Thursday evening (June 09). In the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma, vice-captain KL Rahul, former skipper Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and some other key players, Pant & Co. couldn't help India achieve a world record of most successive T20I wins (13) courtesy of David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen's fifties in a run-fest in New Delhi, India. Being asked to bat first, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, openers Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad took their chances and were lucky enough initially -- being rewarded for their positive intent -- as they put on a 57-run opening stand. Against the run of play, Ruturaj fell but Ishan continued and hammered the bowlers whereas No. 3 batter Shreyas Iyer took on Tabraiz Shamsi. While Ishan fell for a 48-ball 76, and Iyer followed suit, Pant and Hardik Pandya's cameos (12-ball 31*) took India to 211-4, the highest T20I score at the venue. ALSO READ | 'He can lead Team India in future' - Harbhajan Singh lavishes praise on Hardik Pandya's leadership In reply, South Africa started with some good strokes before skipper Temba Bavuma fell to Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Quinton de Kock got a start whereas pinch-hitter Dwaine Pretorius went hard from his end as SA remained in the hunt. Harshal Patel's change of pace completely outfoxed Pretorius (13-ball 29) as the onus quickly fell on in-form finisher David Miller. He was assisted by Rassie van der Dussen (75 not out), who wasn't at his best, but stood firm with Miller to keep Proteas alive. Miller (unbeaten 64) got more than he could have asked for from Rassie, who was struggling in the middle, as the latter came to his own and smashed Harshal Patel in the 17th over, accumulating 22 runs (all in boundaries). From thereon, there was no looking back for the Proteas who rode on Miller-Rassie's unbroken 131-run fourth-wicket stand. The Harshal over sealed the deal for the visitors and they also prevented India from achieving a world record with the most successive T20I victories. In addition, Bavuma & Co. recorded their highest successful run-chase ever. Thus, the trio of Afghanistan, Romania and India enjoyed a 12-match winning streak, however, the latter couldn't create history on Thursday evening.

1st T20I: David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen prevent India from achieving world record, SA win by 7 wickets

Ishan Kishan slammed a sensational half-century as India locked horns with South Africa in the 1st T20I at the Arun Jaitely Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday (June 09). Asked to bat first after losing the toss in the series-opener, Ishan and his opening partner Ruturaj Gaikwad got India off to a flying start and added 57 runs for the first wicket. The duo might not have gotten a chance to open in the first game had it not been for an injury to KL Rahul.

India are missing both Rahul and skipper Rohit Sharma in the ongoing five-match T20I series against the Proteas allowing Ishan to open with Gaikwad. While there is no denying the intense competition as far as opening slots are considered in the Indian team, many believe Kishan should be given more chances at the top.

The young explosive left-hander has the ability to take on the bowlers from the word go and can single-handedly destroy bowling attacks on his day. On Thursday, Kishan was in fine form once again as he took the South Africa bowlers to the cleaners wen route to his 48-ball 76 laced with 11 fours and 3 sixes.

The young southpaw was asked if he believes he should be getting regular chances to open for the Indian team going forward. Kishan said he cannot ask the likes of Rohit and Rahul to drop themselves to let him play as an opener for the Men in Blue in T20Is. Kishan said he would like to make the most of opportunities that come his way and leave the rest to the coaches and the Indian team management.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-hardik-pandya-surprisingly-refuses-single-to-dinesh-karthik-in-20th-over-during-ind-sa-1st-t20i-486817">WATCH - Hardik Pandya surprisingly refuses single to Dinesh Karthik in 20th over during 1st T20I</a>

“They are world-class players. I won’t ask for my spot when they are there. My job is to give my best in the practice session. Whenever I get the opportunity, I have to prove myself and do well for the team. So I focus on my process and what I have to do,” Ishan said after his terrific knock in the first T20I against South Africa.

“They have scored so many runs for our country, I cannot ask them to drop themselves and make me play in the first place. I have to keep doing my thing, it’s up to the selectors and the coaches whatever they think, but my job is to give my best whenever I get my chance” he added.

India rode on Kishan's 48-ball 76 and crucial knocks from the likes of skipper Rishabh Pant (29 off 16), Shreyas Iyer (36 off 27) and Hardik Pandya (31 off 12) to post a strong total of 211 runs on the board, batting first. However, South Arica managed to chase down the target comfortably to win the game by seven wickets and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/1st-t20i-david-miller-rassie-van-der-dussen-prevent-india-from-achieving-world-record-sa-win-by-7-wickets-486699">1st T20I -&nbsp;Miller, Van der Dussen prevent India from achieving world record, SA win by 7 wickets</a>

David Miller carried on from where he had left for Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2022 to slam a stunning unbeaten 64 off 31 balls while Rassie van de Dussen also punished the Indian bowlers en route to his 75 off 46 balls to help South Africa chase down 212 runs with five balls to spare.

Ishan Kishan slammed a sensational half-century as India locked horns with South Africa in the 1st T20I at the Arun Jaitely Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday (June 09).

Ishan Kishan slammed a sensational half-century as India locked horns with South Africa in the 1st T20I at the Arun Jaitely Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday (June 09). Asked to bat first after losing the toss in the series-opener, Ishan and his opening partner Ruturaj Gaikwad got India off to a flying start and added 57 runs for the first wicket. The duo might not have gotten a chance to open in the first game had it not been for an injury to KL Rahul. India are missing both Rahul and skipper Rohit Sharma in the ongoing five-match T20I series against the Proteas allowing Ishan to open with Gaikwad. While there is no denying the intense competition as far as opening slots are considered in the Indian team, many believe Kishan should be given more chances at the top. The young explosive left-hander has the ability to take on the bowlers from the word go and can single-handedly destroy bowling attacks on his day. On Thursday, Kishan was in fine form once again as he took the South Africa bowlers to the cleaners wen route to his 48-ball 76 laced with 11 fours and 3 sixes. The young southpaw was asked if he believes he should be getting regular chances to open for the Indian team going forward. Kishan said he cannot ask the likes of Rohit and Rahul to drop themselves to let him play as an opener for the Men in Blue in T20Is. Kishan said he would like to make the most of opportunities that come his way and leave the rest to the coaches and the Indian team management. Also Read: WATCH - Hardik Pandya surprisingly refuses single to Dinesh Karthik in 20th over during 1st T20I “They are world-class players. I won’t ask for my spot when they are there. My job is to give my best in the practice session. Whenever I get the opportunity, I have to prove myself and do well for the team. So I focus on my process and what I have to do,” Ishan said after his terrific knock in the first T20I against South Africa. “They have scored so many runs for our country, I cannot ask them to drop themselves and make me play in the first place. I have to keep doing my thing, it’s up to the selectors and the coaches whatever they think, but my job is to give my best whenever I get my chance” he added. India rode on Kishan's 48-ball 76 and crucial knocks from the likes of skipper Rishabh Pant (29 off 16), Shreyas Iyer (36 off 27) and Hardik Pandya (31 off 12) to post a strong total of 211 runs on the board, batting first. However, South Arica managed to chase down the target comfortably to win the game by seven wickets and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Also Read: 1st T20I - Miller, Van der Dussen prevent India from achieving world record, SA win by 7 wickets David Miller carried on from where he had left for Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2022 to slam a stunning unbeaten 64 off 31 balls while Rassie van de Dussen also punished the Indian bowlers en route to his 75 off 46 balls to help South Africa chase down 212 runs with five balls to spare.

Can't ask Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul to drop themselves to make me play in Team India: Ishan Kishan

Virat, Rohit's barren run to MI-CSK's mighty fall: 5 surprising elements from IPL 2022's league stage

On Sunday (May 22), the BCCI selection committee released an 18-member Team India squad for their upcoming five-match T20I series versus South Africa, which is set to be held in India from June 09. While regular captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah have been rested, KL Rahul has been given the task to lead the side comprising some young and veteran cricketers.

While some uncapped players such as Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh have been rewarded following their performances in IPL 2022, Ishan Kishan managed to hold onto his place despite an ordinary run in the 15th season for the five-time winners Mumbai Indians (MI). Being the most expensive player in this year's mega auction, the 23-year-old Ishan ended the 15th edition with&nbsp;418 runs at a strike rate of&nbsp;120.11 in&nbsp;14 matches. He wasn't at his consistent best and surely felt the pressure of a heavy price tag.&nbsp;

Thus, many raised concerns about seeing Ishan's name in the 18-man squad, however, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has backed the selection of the MI and India opener. He cited examples of Rohit and Virat's ordinary runs with the bat in the ongoing season and defended Ishan. For the unversed, Rohit ended with not even a single half-century whereas Kohli too struggled for runs but has managed two half-centuries in 14 games with his IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) still alive in the competition with a hard-earned playoffs ticket.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-how-ms-dhonis-csk-and-rohit-sharma-led-mis-debacle-was-always-on-the-cards-481557">IPL 2022: How MS Dhoni's CSK and Rohit Sharma-led MI's debacle was always on the cards</a>

"One IPL season doesn't make a difference. He is a value and utility player. There’s no draft or auction factor involved here while playing for India. When a player goes for ₹15 crore, all 8 franchises are after him. That’s how you calculate his value. Scoring runs in IPL is different. Even Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli haven't scored runs. Ishan Kishan has certainly undergone a chance, because of which he couldn't perform as well as he would have liked to. And that was one big reason why MI struggled this season," Latif said on YouTube show 'Caught Behind'.

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-lot-of-people-had-given-up-on-me-dinesh-karthik-reacts-after-his-memorable-team-india-comeback-481413">'A lot of people had given up on me' - Dinesh Karthik reacts after his memorable Team India comeback</a>

India's T20I squad for the South Africa series -&nbsp;KL Rahul (Capt), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Deepak Hooda, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant(VC) (wk), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Hardik Pandya, Venkatesh Iyer, Y Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, R Bishnoi, Bhuvneshwar, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik
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On Sunday (May 22), the BCCI selection committee released an 18-member Team India squad for their upcoming five-match T20I series versus South Africa, which is set to be held in India from June 09.

On Sunday (May 22), the BCCI selection committee released an 18-member Team India squad for their upcoming five-match T20I series versus South Africa, which is set to be held in India from June 09. While regular captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah have been rested, KL Rahul has been given the task to lead the side comprising some young and veteran cricketers. While some uncapped players such as Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh have been rewarded following their performances in IPL 2022, Ishan Kishan managed to hold onto his place despite an ordinary run in the 15th season for the five-time winners Mumbai Indians (MI). Being the most expensive player in this year's mega auction, the 23-year-old Ishan ended the 15th edition with 418 runs at a strike rate of 120.11 in 14 matches. He wasn't at his consistent best and surely felt the pressure of a heavy price tag. Thus, many raised concerns about seeing Ishan's name in the 18-man squad, however, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has backed the selection of the MI and India opener. He cited examples of Rohit and Virat's ordinary runs with the bat in the ongoing season and defended Ishan. For the unversed, Rohit ended with not even a single half-century whereas Kohli too struggled for runs but has managed two half-centuries in 14 games with his IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) still alive in the competition with a hard-earned playoffs ticket. ALSO READ | IPL 2022: How MS Dhoni's CSK and Rohit Sharma-led MI's debacle was always on the cards "One IPL season doesn't make a difference. He is a value and utility player. There’s no draft or auction factor involved here while playing for India. When a player goes for ₹15 crore, all 8 franchises are after him. That’s how you calculate his value. Scoring runs in IPL is different. Even Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli haven't scored runs. Ishan Kishan has certainly undergone a chance, because of which he couldn't perform as well as he would have liked to. And that was one big reason why MI struggled this season," Latif said on YouTube show 'Caught Behind'. ALSO READ | 'A lot of people had given up on me' - Dinesh Karthik reacts after his memorable Team India comeback India's T20I squad for the South Africa series - KL Rahul (Capt), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Deepak Hooda, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant(VC) (wk), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Hardik Pandya, Venkatesh Iyer, Y Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, R Bishnoi, Bhuvneshwar, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik

Even Rohit, Virat haven't scored runs: Former Pak captain defends Ishan Kishan's selection for SA T20Is

Team India's squad for the five T20Is versus South Africa was announced on Sunday (May 22). While the regular captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah have been rested and Ravindra Jadeja-Suryakumar Yadav are injured, BCCI's selection committee announced a strong 18-member squad which will be led by all-format vice-captain KL Rahul.

In the Rahul-led India squad, many young guns and uncapped players have been included for the series versus Temba Bavuma-led Proteas. Among them, Dinesh Karthik's comeback has been highly-talked about. At 36, not many would've given him a chance to return to the national team, who last played in 2019. However, Karthik's magnificent run in IPL 2022 has changed the script in his favour.

In 14 games, Karthik has so far amassed 287 runs&nbsp;at an average of 57.40 and a strike rate of 191 playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Thus, he is expected to come good even in the playoffs for RCB and then feature in India's playing XI for the SA series. Nonetheless, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra snubbed DK and Kuldeep Yadav from his probable line-up for the upcoming home series.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-lot-of-people-had-given-up-on-me-dinesh-karthik-reacts-after-his-memorable-team-india-comeback-481413">'A lot of people had given up on me' - Dinesh Karthik reacts after his memorable Team India comeback</a>

On his Youtube channel, Chopra said, "What is the composition of the XI you are going to see? I feel you might see Ishan Kishan opening alongside KL Rahul. But there are a lot of keepers, so he might not open, you can open with Ruturaj Gaikwad and not Ishan Kishan, that's a choice." Chopra then named vice-captain Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya as automatic starters in the middle-order and called for Shreyas Iyer as well as Deepak Hooda's inclusion.

He added, "After that, you will keep Axar Patel in the team because you want a little depth in the batting. So Axar as a left-arm spinner and a batter. If you play Axar, you will only be able to play Yuzi Chahal." His pace department comprises Bhuvneshwar Kumar, one among Arshdeep Singh and Harshal Patel and either of Umran Malik or Avesh Khan.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-rested-as-india-announce-squad-for-t20i-series-against-south-africa-481249">Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma rested as India announce squad for T20I series against South Africa</a>

Aakash Chopra probable Team India XI for SA T20Is:

KL Rahul (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad/Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh/Harshal Patel, Umran Malik/Avesh Khan.

Team India's squad for the five T20Is versus South Africa was announced on Sunday (May 22). While the regular captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah have been rested and Ravindra Jadeja-Suryakumar Yadav are injured, BCCI's selection committee announced a strong 18-member squad which will be led by all-format vice-captain KL Rahul.

Team India's squad for the five T20Is versus South Africa was announced on Sunday (May 22). While the regular captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah have been rested and Ravindra Jadeja-Suryakumar Yadav are injured, BCCI's selection committee announced a strong 18-member squad which will be led by all-format vice-captain KL Rahul. In the Rahul-led India squad, many young guns and uncapped players have been included for the series versus Temba Bavuma-led Proteas. Among them, Dinesh Karthik's comeback has been highly-talked about. At 36, not many would've given him a chance to return to the national team, who last played in 2019. However, Karthik's magnificent run in IPL 2022 has changed the script in his favour. In 14 games, Karthik has so far amassed 287 runs at an average of 57.40 and a strike rate of 191 playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Thus, he is expected to come good even in the playoffs for RCB and then feature in India's playing XI for the SA series. Nonetheless, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra snubbed DK and Kuldeep Yadav from his probable line-up for the upcoming home series. ALSO READ | 'A lot of people had given up on me' - Dinesh Karthik reacts after his memorable Team India comeback On his Youtube channel, Chopra said, "What is the composition of the XI you are going to see? I feel you might see Ishan Kishan opening alongside KL Rahul. But there are a lot of keepers, so he might not open, you can open with Ruturaj Gaikwad and not Ishan Kishan, that's a choice." Chopra then named vice-captain Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya as automatic starters in the middle-order and called for Shreyas Iyer as well as Deepak Hooda's inclusion. He added, "After that, you will keep Axar Patel in the team because you want a little depth in the batting. So Axar as a left-arm spinner and a batter. If you play Axar, you will only be able to play Yuzi Chahal." His pace department comprises Bhuvneshwar Kumar, one among Arshdeep Singh and Harshal Patel and either of Umran Malik or Avesh Khan. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma rested as India announce squad for T20I series against South Africa Aakash Chopra probable Team India XI for SA T20Is: KL Rahul (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad/Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh/Harshal Patel, Umran Malik/Avesh Khan.

India vs SA T20Is: Former Indian opener snubs Dinesh Karthik in his probable XI for KL Rahul & Co.

Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise have had a torrid run in IPL 2022 edition. The five-time winners were the first team to bow out of the playoffs race after losing eight games on the trot. Team selection, inconsistency among their top batters and some marquee players never rising to the occasion can be touted to be one of the main reasons for Mumbai's downfall in IPL 15.

However, many believe MI missed a trick by not giving Tim David, the&nbsp;Singaporean-Australian cricketer, a long run throughout the season. After failures in his first two outings for the franchise, David was dropped from the playing XI and warmed the bench for over a month before finally making a comeback. Since then, he has had scores of&nbsp;44*, 13, 16* and an 18-ball 46 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), in match 65 on Tuesday evening (May 17). He&nbsp;almost took the side home in their three-run loss at the hands of SRH before his departure in the 18th over.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-stirred-up-the-aussies-a-lot-shane-watson-lavishes-huge-praise-on-ex-india-pacer-480094">'He stirred up the Aussies a lot' - Shane Watson lavishes huge praise on ex-India pacer</a>

Thus, MI have been criticised for dropping David initially. Post the SRH defeat, opener Ishan Kishan defended the team management's call and said, "IPL is a big stage and the decisions taken by the management are for the betterment of the team. Nothing personal in it. Unfortunately, he (David) was dropped from the team. But if you look at the other way, he prepared himself to play on the Indian wickets. So, being dropped isn't always bad as it gives the player an opportunity to analyse his game. The comeback he has made and the innings he has played have been mind-blowing. So, it was a good call (to drop David)."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kkr-vs-lsg-ipl-2022-prediction-today-who-will-win-kolkata-knight-riders-vs-lucknow-super-giants-match-480116">KKR vs LSG, IPL 2022 prediction today: Who will win Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants match?</a>

Given David was fetched by the MI franchise for a whopping INR 82.5 million in the mega auction earlier this year. Hence, it was expected of the Rohit-led franchise to give him a long rope in the playing XI. Nonetheless, he is now making a solid mark and looks certain to be retained by the franchise for a long time.

Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise have had a torrid run in IPL 2022 edition. The five-time winners were the first team to bow out of the playoffs race after losing eight games on the trot.

Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise have had a torrid run in IPL 2022 edition. The five-time winners were the first team to bow out of the playoffs race after losing eight games on the trot. Team selection, inconsistency among their top batters and some marquee players never rising to the occasion can be touted to be one of the main reasons for Mumbai's downfall in IPL 15. However, many believe MI missed a trick by not giving Tim David, the Singaporean-Australian cricketer, a long run throughout the season. After failures in his first two outings for the franchise, David was dropped from the playing XI and warmed the bench for over a month before finally making a comeback. Since then, he has had scores of 44*, 13, 16* and an 18-ball 46 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), in match 65 on Tuesday evening (May 17). He almost took the side home in their three-run loss at the hands of SRH before his departure in the 18th over. ALSO READ | 'He stirred up the Aussies a lot' - Shane Watson lavishes huge praise on ex-India pacer Thus, MI have been criticised for dropping David initially. Post the SRH defeat, opener Ishan Kishan defended the team management's call and said, "IPL is a big stage and the decisions taken by the management are for the betterment of the team. Nothing personal in it. Unfortunately, he (David) was dropped from the team. But if you look at the other way, he prepared himself to play on the Indian wickets. So, being dropped isn't always bad as it gives the player an opportunity to analyse his game. The comeback he has made and the innings he has played have been mind-blowing. So, it was a good call (to drop David)." ALSO READ | KKR vs LSG, IPL 2022 prediction today: Who will win Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants match? Given David was fetched by the MI franchise for a whopping INR 82.5 million in the mega auction earlier this year. Hence, it was expected of the Rohit-led franchise to give him a long rope in the playing XI. Nonetheless, he is now making a solid mark and looks certain to be retained by the franchise for a long time.

'Being dropped isn't always bad' - Ishan Kishan defends MI management for initially dropping Tim David

Top 5 Indian Premier League seasons with the highest number of sixes

Match 59 of the IPL 2022 edition saw the arch-rivals and bottom-lying Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take on each other at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Thursday evening (May 12). The match presented another opportunity for the five-time winners and already-eliminated Rohit Sharma-led MI franchise to add another two points in their kitty whereas it was a must-win clash for MS Dhoni's CSK.

Being alive in the playoffs race by the barest of margins, Chennai couldn't afford to let loose. However, nothing clicked for the defending champions and four-time winners as they conceded the game by 5 wickets. Being asked to bat first, amid power cut issues, CSK were off to a horrible start and soon reduced to 29-5 courtesy Daniel Sams' three quick strikes. Their top-order players couldn't even take the help of the DRS in the first ten deliveries due to the power cut. Barring Dhoni's 36*, no one stood tall as CSK folded for their second-lowest IPL total (97).

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/csk-vs-mi-97-all-out-ms-dhoni-co-succumb-to-a-new-low-register-their-2nd-lowest-ipl-total-478441">CSK vs MI: 97 all-out! MS Dhoni &amp; Co. succumb to a new low, register their 2nd lowest IPL total</a>

In reply, Rohit &amp; Co. were also reduced to 33 for 4 due to Mukesh Choudhary's early blows. However, a sedate 48-run fifth-wicket stand between young guns Hrithik Shoukeen-Tilak Verma steadied MI's innings as they won by five wickets.&nbsp;

Here's the updated points table after MI eliminate CSK:

<img alt="Points Table after CSK-MI clash" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32319fad-7777-4aeb-b0fd-fdcf4d9ae394" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/PT%20MI-CSK.png" />

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/csk-vs-mi-explained-heres-why-both-teams-were-deprived-of-drs-during-first-10-balls-of-the-contest-478426">CSK vs MI: EXPLAINED! Here's why both teams were deprived of DRS during first 10 balls of the contest</a>

CSK and MI are now the two eliminated teams from the playoffs race as all the other seven franchises remain in contention or are close to qualifying for the next round. Gujarat Titans (GT) are the only side confirmed of a playoffs spot.

Match 59 of the IPL 2022 edition saw the arch-rivals and bottom-lying Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take on each other at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Thursday evening (May 12).

Match 59 of the IPL 2022 edition saw the arch-rivals and bottom-lying Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take on each other at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Thursday evening (May 12). The match presented another opportunity for the five-time winners and already-eliminated Rohit Sharma-led MI franchise to add another two points in their kitty whereas it was a must-win clash for MS Dhoni's CSK. Being alive in the playoffs race by the barest of margins, Chennai couldn't afford to let loose. However, nothing clicked for the defending champions and four-time winners as they conceded the game by 5 wickets. Being asked to bat first, amid power cut issues, CSK were off to a horrible start and soon reduced to 29-5 courtesy Daniel Sams' three quick strikes. Their top-order players couldn't even take the help of the DRS in the first ten deliveries due to the power cut. Barring Dhoni's 36*, no one stood tall as CSK folded for their second-lowest IPL total (97). ALSO READ | CSK vs MI: 97 all-out! MS Dhoni & Co. succumb to a new low, register their 2nd lowest IPL total In reply, Rohit & Co. were also reduced to 33 for 4 due to Mukesh Choudhary's early blows. However, a sedate 48-run fifth-wicket stand between young guns Hrithik Shoukeen-Tilak Verma steadied MI's innings as they won by five wickets. Here's the updated points table after MI eliminate CSK: ALSO READ | CSK vs MI: EXPLAINED! Here's why both teams were deprived of DRS during first 10 balls of the contest CSK and MI are now the two eliminated teams from the playoffs race as all the other seven franchises remain in contention or are close to qualifying for the next round. Gujarat Titans (GT) are the only side confirmed of a playoffs spot.

Updated IPL 2022 points table after Mumbai Indians thrash Chennai Super Kings by 5 wickets

In the two-day IPL 2022 mega auction, Ishan Kishan made heads turn when he was sold for a whopping INR 152.5 million (INR 15.25 crore). The young wicketkeeper-batter ended as the most expensive&nbsp;player in this year's mega auction.

Ever since he went for a huge sum, being bought back by the Mumbai Indians (MI), many had their eyes on the swashbuckling left-hander Kishan. So far, the keeper-batter has amassed&nbsp;321 runs in 11 matches, at an average of&nbsp;32.10 and has struck at 117.15. While he has three fifties under his belt, the 23-year-old hasn't lived upto expectations with some sluggish knocks and blowing hot and cold so far.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nobody-noticed-me-virat-kohli-reveals-an-incident-where-he-went-unrecognised-in-bengaluru-478131">'Nobody noticed me' - Virat Kohli reveals an incident when he went unrecognised in Bengaluru</a>

Many former cricketers have felt that Ishan has taken the pressure of the price tag which, in turn, has reflected in his sluggish performances. Recently, Ishan revealed his chat with Virat Kohli, his MI skipper Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya regarding his IPL auction price tag and how to deal with it.

"When I spoke to Rohit bhai, or even to Virat Kohli bhai during the game against RCB and Hardik bhai, everyone told me the same thing ‘you don’t have to think about the price tag’ because it’s not something I have asked for. The team had belief in me, so they did spend the money," Kishan said during a media interaction on the eve of Mumbai's meeting with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), on Thursday (May 12) at IPL 2022.

"Instead of thinking about the pressure of the price tag, it’s important to think about my game and being in the zone. So talking to the senior players really helped. They have played the game for so long and handled different situations. For them also, at some point, the auction price would have gone up. So I learned how they handled the situation then," the Mumbai Indians opener added.

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-looked-a-fish-out-of-water-ravi-shastri-defends-ravindra-jadejas-csk-captaincy-stint-478115">'He looked a fish out of water' - Ravi Shastri defends Ravindra Jadeja's CSK captaincy stint</a>

With MI already being out of the playoffs race this year, Ishan will hope to come out all guns blazing and play some entertaining knocks to end the season on a high.
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In the two-day IPL 2022 mega auction, Ishan Kishan made heads turn when he was sold for a whopping INR 152.5 million (INR 15.25 crore). The young wicketkeeper-batter ended as the most expensive player in this year's mega auction.

In the two-day IPL 2022 mega auction, Ishan Kishan made heads turn when he was sold for a whopping INR 152.5 million (INR 15.25 crore). The young wicketkeeper-batter ended as the most expensive player in this year's mega auction. Ever since he went for a huge sum, being bought back by the Mumbai Indians (MI), many had their eyes on the swashbuckling left-hander Kishan. So far, the keeper-batter has amassed 321 runs in 11 matches, at an average of 32.10 and has struck at 117.15. While he has three fifties under his belt, the 23-year-old hasn't lived upto expectations with some sluggish knocks and blowing hot and cold so far. ALSO READ | 'Nobody noticed me' - Virat Kohli reveals an incident when he went unrecognised in Bengaluru Many former cricketers have felt that Ishan has taken the pressure of the price tag which, in turn, has reflected in his sluggish performances. Recently, Ishan revealed his chat with Virat Kohli, his MI skipper Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya regarding his IPL auction price tag and how to deal with it. "When I spoke to Rohit bhai, or even to Virat Kohli bhai during the game against RCB and Hardik bhai, everyone told me the same thing ‘you don’t have to think about the price tag’ because it’s not something I have asked for. The team had belief in me, so they did spend the money," Kishan said during a media interaction on the eve of Mumbai's meeting with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), on Thursday (May 12) at IPL 2022. "Instead of thinking about the pressure of the price tag, it’s important to think about my game and being in the zone. So talking to the senior players really helped. They have played the game for so long and handled different situations. For them also, at some point, the auction price would have gone up. So I learned how they handled the situation then," the Mumbai Indians opener added. ALSO READ | 'He looked a fish out of water' - Ravi Shastri defends Ravindra Jadeja's CSK captaincy stint With MI already being out of the playoffs race this year, Ishan will hope to come out all guns blazing and play some entertaining knocks to end the season on a high.

IPL 2022: Ishan Kishan reveals chat with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma on dealing with price tag pressure

Former India opener Virender Sehwag believes that Punjab Kings cricketer Jitesh Sharma can be a good pick as the back-up wicketkeeper in the India squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

The 28-year-old has been quite impressive in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 and Sehwag said that he can be a good choice along with Rishabh Pant in the World Cup.'

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/was-supposed-to-be-the-captain-yuvraj-singh-claims-he-lost-india-captaincy-to-ms-dhoni-due-to-chappell-row-477350" hreflang="en">Yuvraj claims he lost India captaincy to Dhoni due to Chappell incident</a>

"He has impressed quite a bit... So should we also include him in the Australia-bound T20 World Cup squad?" Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.

"I am just asking because whoever scores runs, we keep them in the category of potential players for the World Cup. But no doubt, he has impressed me a lot. If I had to select the team, I would take him to Australia as a second wicketkeeper-batter for the T20 World Cup," he added.

Jitesh has scored 162 runs in seven innings till now at an impressive strike rate of 167.0. Sehwag praised his performances and even compared his stroke play to VVS Laxman.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cheteshwar-pujara-scores-fourth-successive-ton-in-county-cricket-wins-his-battle-against-shaheen-afridi-477365" hreflang="en">Pujara scores 4th successive ton in county cricket, wins battle against Afridi</a>

"Ishan Kishan is a wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant is a wicketkeeper-batter, (Wriddhiman) Saha is a wicketkeeper-batter, but out of all of them, if there is someone who has impressed me the most, it is Jitesh Sharma.”

"He reminded me of VVS Laxman with the six he hit off Yuzvendra Chahal... Laxman used to hit Shane Warne with an open stance over mid-wicket. He has impressed me quite a bit," he concluded.

Former India opener Virender Sehwag believes that Punjab Kings cricketer Jitesh Sharma can be a good pick as the back-up wicketkeeper in the India squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Former India opener Virender Sehwag believes that Punjab Kings cricketer Jitesh Sharma can be a good pick as the back-up wicketkeeper in the India squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The 28-year-old has been quite impressive in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 and Sehwag said that he can be a good choice along with Rishabh Pant in the World Cup.' Also read | Yuvraj claims he lost India captaincy to Dhoni due to Chappell incident "He has impressed quite a bit... So should we also include him in the Australia-bound T20 World Cup squad?" Sehwag said on Cricbuzz. "I am just asking because whoever scores runs, we keep them in the category of potential players for the World Cup. But no doubt, he has impressed me a lot. If I had to select the team, I would take him to Australia as a second wicketkeeper-batter for the T20 World Cup," he added. Jitesh has scored 162 runs in seven innings till now at an impressive strike rate of 167.0. Sehwag praised his performances and even compared his stroke play to VVS Laxman. Also read | Pujara scores 4th successive ton in county cricket, wins battle against Afridi "Ishan Kishan is a wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant is a wicketkeeper-batter, (Wriddhiman) Saha is a wicketkeeper-batter, but out of all of them, if there is someone who has impressed me the most, it is Jitesh Sharma.” "He reminded me of VVS Laxman with the six he hit off Yuzvendra Chahal... Laxman used to hit Shane Warne with an open stance over mid-wicket. He has impressed me quite a bit," he concluded.

Not Ishan Kishan or Dinesh Karthik! Virender Sehwag names surprise wicketkeeper pick for T20 World Cup

Match 51 of the IPL 2022 edition saw the table-toppers Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT) face the bottom-lying Mumbai Indians (MI) at the high-scoring Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Friday evening (May 06). Desperate for another win to make for the playoffs, Hardik &amp; Co. failed to get past the finish line -- to lose two in a row -- as the Rohit Sharma-led MI franchise pulled off a heist by five runs in defence of 177-6.

Opting to bowl first, Hardik-led GT were in for a leather hunt as MI openers Rohit (43) and Ishan (45) took the team off to a confident start. From 74 for no loss, MI struggled from there on as Rashid Khan applied pressure with his bowling and removed Rohit and Kieron Pollard. Tim David's 21-ball 44 not out propelled MI to a healthy 177 for 6. However, at the mid-innings, it felt as if the five-time winners were easily short by 15-20 runs given the kind of start they enjoyed.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-rohit-sharma-hits-200th-six-in-mi-jersey-joins-virat-kohli-in-elite-list-of-batters-476939">IPL 2022: Rohit Sharma hits 200th six in MI jersey, joins Virat Kohli in elite list of batters</a>

In reply, Gujarat openers Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill took their team off to a rollicking start. Saha was the aggressor among the duo as young Gill also grew in confidence and joined the party later. Jasprit Bumrah went for quite a few in his early overs as Rohit looked a tense captain. Against the run of play, Murugan Ashwin applied the pressure with his tidy bowling and was rewarded with the scalps of Saha and Gill.

While Hardik got a start before being run-out for a 14-ball 24, Sai Sudharshan was hit-wicket for a 11-ball 14. With wickets falling in the death overs, MI clawed their way back into the contest as Bumrah bowled a good over to end his spell whereas Daniel Sams defended 9 runs off the last six balls to stun GT.

With this win, MI remain at the bottom but have suddenly found some momentum -- despite an early exit -- with back-to-back wins.

Match 51 of the IPL 2022 edition saw the table-toppers Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT) face the bottom-lying Mumbai Indians (MI) at the high-scoring Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Friday evening (May 06).

Match 51 of the IPL 2022 edition saw the table-toppers Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT) face the bottom-lying Mumbai Indians (MI) at the high-scoring Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Friday evening (May 06). Desperate for another win to make for the playoffs, Hardik & Co. failed to get past the finish line -- to lose two in a row -- as the Rohit Sharma-led MI franchise pulled off a heist by five runs in defence of 177-6. Opting to bowl first, Hardik-led GT were in for a leather hunt as MI openers Rohit (43) and Ishan (45) took the team off to a confident start. From 74 for no loss, MI struggled from there on as Rashid Khan applied pressure with his bowling and removed Rohit and Kieron Pollard. Tim David's 21-ball 44 not out propelled MI to a healthy 177 for 6. However, at the mid-innings, it felt as if the five-time winners were easily short by 15-20 runs given the kind of start they enjoyed. ALSO READ | IPL 2022: Rohit Sharma hits 200th six in MI jersey, joins Virat Kohli in elite list of batters In reply, Gujarat openers Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill took their team off to a rollicking start. Saha was the aggressor among the duo as young Gill also grew in confidence and joined the party later. Jasprit Bumrah went for quite a few in his early overs as Rohit looked a tense captain. Against the run of play, Murugan Ashwin applied the pressure with his tidy bowling and was rewarded with the scalps of Saha and Gill. While Hardik got a start before being run-out for a 14-ball 24, Sai Sudharshan was hit-wicket for a 11-ball 14. With wickets falling in the death overs, MI clawed their way back into the contest as Bumrah bowled a good over to end his spell whereas Daniel Sams defended 9 runs off the last six balls to stun GT. With this win, MI remain at the bottom but have suddenly found some momentum -- despite an early exit -- with back-to-back wins.

IPL 2022: Daniel Sams, Murugan Ashwin hold nerve as MI beat table-toppers Gujarat by 5 runs

8-0: Decoding Mumbai Indians' horrible run in IPL 2022

IPL 2022 reached its halfway stage on Sunday evening (April 24) as match 37 saw the five-time winners Mumbai Indians (MI) take on the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Having returned to their fortress after a disastrous start to the 15th season, Rohit Sharma-led MI were hoping for a revival and to finally get off the mark in the points table in this year's edition.

However, nothing of that sort happened. After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Rohit &amp; Co. restricted Lucknow to 168-6, who mainly drove on skipper KL Rahul's 103 not out. In reply, MI's big guns such as Ishan Kishan, Rohit, Suryakumar Yadav, Dewald Brevis, and Kieron Pollard all struggled as Tilak Verma put up a fight before Mumbai managed only 132-8 in 20 overs, losing convincingly by 36 runs.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-updated-points-table-after-lucknow-super-giants-beat-mumbai-indians-by-36-runs-473515">IPL 2022: Updated points table after Lucknow Super Giants beat Mumbai Indians by 36 runs</a>

Talking about Ishan, his struggles this season has been one of the main reasons for MI's poor form. He has managed only 199 runs in eight innings, at an average of 28.43 and a strike rate of 108.15. In MI's face-off versus LSG, Ishan struggled for runs and timing before falling in a bizarre fashion. He got a bottom-edge, off Ravi Bishnoi, the ball bounced off wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock's left shoe and went to Jason Holder, who was stationed at first slip. Here's the video of Ishan's departure:

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL20222?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL20222</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ishan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ishan</a> Kishan out <a href="https://t.co/bavNNp0l1z">pic.twitter.com/bavNNp0l1z</a>
— Brahmadev Yadav🇮🇳 (@Brahmadev30) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brahmadev30/status/1518273619054391296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-kl-rahul-scores-brilliant-century-as-lucknow-super-giants-beat-mumbai-indians-473518">IPL 2022: KL Rahul scores brilliant century as Lucknow Super Giants beat Mumbai Indians</a>

While it was an unlucky dismissal, Ishan never got going in his short stay in the middle. He managed an unimpressive 20-ball 8, striking at 40. Mumbai, on the other hand, conceded their eighth game in a row and are very much out of contention from the playoffs race.

IPL 2022 reached its halfway stage on Sunday evening (April 24) as match 37 saw the five-time winners Mumbai Indians (MI) take on the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.

IPL 2022 reached its halfway stage on Sunday evening (April 24) as match 37 saw the five-time winners Mumbai Indians (MI) take on the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Having returned to their fortress after a disastrous start to the 15th season, Rohit Sharma-led MI were hoping for a revival and to finally get off the mark in the points table in this year's edition. However, nothing of that sort happened. After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Rohit & Co. restricted Lucknow to 168-6, who mainly drove on skipper KL Rahul's 103 not out. In reply, MI's big guns such as Ishan Kishan, Rohit, Suryakumar Yadav, Dewald Brevis, and Kieron Pollard all struggled as Tilak Verma put up a fight before Mumbai managed only 132-8 in 20 overs, losing convincingly by 36 runs. ALSO READ | IPL 2022: Updated points table after Lucknow Super Giants beat Mumbai Indians by 36 runs Talking about Ishan, his struggles this season has been one of the main reasons for MI's poor form. He has managed only 199 runs in eight innings, at an average of 28.43 and a strike rate of 108.15. In MI's face-off versus LSG, Ishan struggled for runs and timing before falling in a bizarre fashion. He got a bottom-edge, off Ravi Bishnoi, the ball bounced off wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock's left shoe and went to Jason Holder, who was stationed at first slip. Here's the video of Ishan's departure: #IPL20222 #Ishan Kishan out pic.twitter.com/bavNNp0l1z — Brahmadev Yadav🇮🇳 (@Brahmadev30) April 24, 2022 × ALSO READ | IPL 2022: KL Rahul scores brilliant century as Lucknow Super Giants beat Mumbai Indians While it was an unlucky dismissal, Ishan never got going in his short stay in the middle. He managed an unimpressive 20-ball 8, striking at 40. Mumbai, on the other hand, conceded their eighth game in a row and are very much out of contention from the playoffs race.

WATCH: Ishan Kishan gets dismissed in bizarre fashion in MI's face-off versus LSG in IPL 2022

KL Rahul to Pat Cummins: Batters with fastest fifties in IPL history

Ishan Kishan was the most expensive player in the IPL 2022 mega auction (rejoining the Mumbai Indians for INR 15.25&nbsp;crore). Making his IPL debut for the now-defunct Gujarat Lions (GL), Ishan has come a long way and is now MI's mainstay at the top of the batting order.

From a young inexperienced player to being one of the vital cogs in MI line-up, Ishan has had quite a journey in the IPL. His most-successful season came during IPL 2020, where he amassed a staggering 516 runs at a whopping strike-rate of&nbsp;145.76. Recently, Ishan spoke about all-rounder and former MI recruit Hardik Pandya's role in helping him develop into a better player.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mi-star-ishan-kishan-shares-a-hilarious-incident-on-how-ms-dhonis-hand-gestures-left-him-puzzled-468663">MI star Ishan Kishan shares a hilarious incident on how MS Dhoni's hand-gestures left him puzzled</a>

During the Breakfast With Champions show, he told host Gaurav Kapur, Ishan recalled his early days at the MI camp and said, "I was with Hardik bhai and others all the time during the IPL and I see their work ethic as to how he is taking care of himself. They would sit me down and explain things to me for 30 minutes - what's important, what is not and what I am doing wrong. Hardik bhai's reputation... I mean all the seniors in the team would sit together. But I was the young one who was still finding his way."

"Hardik bhai was always like 'You leave him to me'. And he actually told me also that until you improve, we can't give you a match'. I also felt then that what they're saying is for my own benefit," Kishan added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-has-the-potential-to-go-ahead-ravi-shastri-heaps-praise-on-mumbai-indians-youngster-tilak-varma-468868">'He has the potential to go ahead': Ravi Shastri heaps praise on Mumbai Indians youngster Tilak Varma</a>

At present, Ishan has started the IPL 2022 edition with a bang, scoring two successive half-centuries but hasn't managed to take the MI franchise past the finish line after equal number of encounters. For Hardik, he is leading the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the ten-team competition. So far, Gujarat is unbeaten after two games.

Ishan Kishan was the most expensive player in the IPL 2022 mega auction (rejoining the Mumbai Indians for INR 15.25 crore). Making his IPL debut for the now-defunct Gujarat Lions (GL), Ishan has come a long way and is now MI's mainstay at the top of the batting order.

Ishan Kishan was the most expensive player in the IPL 2022 mega auction (rejoining the Mumbai Indians for INR 15.25 crore). Making his IPL debut for the now-defunct Gujarat Lions (GL), Ishan has come a long way and is now MI's mainstay at the top of the batting order. From a young inexperienced player to being one of the vital cogs in MI line-up, Ishan has had quite a journey in the IPL. His most-successful season came during IPL 2020, where he amassed a staggering 516 runs at a whopping strike-rate of 145.76. Recently, Ishan spoke about all-rounder and former MI recruit Hardik Pandya's role in helping him develop into a better player. ALSO READ | MI star Ishan Kishan shares a hilarious incident on how MS Dhoni's hand-gestures left him puzzled During the Breakfast With Champions show, he told host Gaurav Kapur, Ishan recalled his early days at the MI camp and said, "I was with Hardik bhai and others all the time during the IPL and I see their work ethic as to how he is taking care of himself. They would sit me down and explain things to me for 30 minutes - what's important, what is not and what I am doing wrong. Hardik bhai's reputation... I mean all the seniors in the team would sit together. But I was the young one who was still finding his way." "Hardik bhai was always like 'You leave him to me'. And he actually told me also that until you improve, we can't give you a match'. I also felt then that what they're saying is for my own benefit," Kishan added. ALSO READ | 'He has the potential to go ahead': Ravi Shastri heaps praise on Mumbai Indians youngster Tilak Varma At present, Ishan has started the IPL 2022 edition with a bang, scoring two successive half-centuries but hasn't managed to take the MI franchise past the finish line after equal number of encounters. For Hardik, he is leading the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the ten-team competition. So far, Gujarat is unbeaten after two games.

'Until you improve, we can't...': MI opener Ishan Kishan recalls how Hardik Pandya assisted him

Mumbai Indians are known to be slow starters in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as they often stumble at the start of the season before finding their groove as the tournament progresses. However, this season has been different for the five-time champions, who have a squad that doesn't inspire much confidence to spark&nbsp;a&nbsp;turnaround.

Mumbai Indians have suffered back-to-back defeats in their first two matches of the ongoing IPL 2022 as their bowling woes have been left exposed while the batters are yet to fire as a unit. While young Ishan Kishan and Tilka Varma have been brilliant with the willow, the likes of Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard and Tim David are yet to get going.

Pacer Jasprit Bumrah bounced back with an impressive show against Rajasthan Royals in their last game as he bagged a three-wicket haul after going for runs in the opener against Delhi Capitals, but the rest of the bowlers failed to impress once again. MI's bowling attack has not been the same post the departure of Trent Boult, who was roped in by RR at the mega auction this year.

The likes of Daniel Sams,&nbsp;Tymal Mills and Basil Thami have all been expensive and failed to make an impact. The bowlers will have to step up when Mumbai Indians take on Kolkata Knight Riders in their third game of the season at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Wednesday.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shreyas-iyer-making-a-serious-case-for-india-captaincy-shoaib-akhtar-lauds-kkr-skipper-for-proving-his-worth-468818">Shreyas Iyer making a serious case for India captaincy:&nbsp;Akhtar lauds KKR skipper for proving his worth</a>

Mumbai Indians are also expected to have Suryakumar Yadav back in the playing XI for the first time this season. The star Indian batter has joined the rest of the squad after completing his quarantine and has recovered from his finger injury. His return is set to bolster MI's batting line-up which has been heavily dependent on Kishan and Varma so far this season.

Against an in-form KKR bowling lineup with Umesh Yadav on fire and Sunil Narine also doing well, Suryakumar's return will be a huge boost for Mumbai Indians. He has been one of the consistent run-getters for the franchise over the years and is expected to set the ball rolling quickly once again this season.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kkr-vs-mi-ipl-2022-prediction-today-who-will-win-kolkata-knight-riders-vs-mumbai-indians-match-468790">KKR vs MI, IPL 2022 prediction today: Who will win Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians match?</a> 
&nbsp;

Mumbai Indians' predicted playing XI against KKR:

Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Kieron Pollard, Tim David, Daniel Sams, Murugan Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Tymal Mills, Basil Thampi

Mumbai Indians are known to be slow starters in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as they often stumble at the start of the season before finding their groove as the tournament progresses.

Mumbai Indians are known to be slow starters in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as they often stumble at the start of the season before finding their groove as the tournament progresses. However, this season has been different for the five-time champions, who have a squad that doesn't inspire much confidence to spark a turnaround. Mumbai Indians have suffered back-to-back defeats in their first two matches of the ongoing IPL 2022 as their bowling woes have been left exposed while the batters are yet to fire as a unit. While young Ishan Kishan and Tilka Varma have been brilliant with the willow, the likes of Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard and Tim David are yet to get going. Pacer Jasprit Bumrah bounced back with an impressive show against Rajasthan Royals in their last game as he bagged a three-wicket haul after going for runs in the opener against Delhi Capitals, but the rest of the bowlers failed to impress once again. MI's bowling attack has not been the same post the departure of Trent Boult, who was roped in by RR at the mega auction this year. The likes of Daniel Sams, Tymal Mills and Basil Thami have all been expensive and failed to make an impact. The bowlers will have to step up when Mumbai Indians take on Kolkata Knight Riders in their third game of the season at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Wednesday. Also Read: Shreyas Iyer making a serious case for India captaincy: Akhtar lauds KKR skipper for proving his worth Mumbai Indians are also expected to have Suryakumar Yadav back in the playing XI for the first time this season. The star Indian batter has joined the rest of the squad after completing his quarantine and has recovered from his finger injury. His return is set to bolster MI's batting line-up which has been heavily dependent on Kishan and Varma so far this season. Against an in-form KKR bowling lineup with Umesh Yadav on fire and Sunil Narine also doing well, Suryakumar's return will be a huge boost for Mumbai Indians. He has been one of the consistent run-getters for the franchise over the years and is expected to set the ball rolling quickly once again this season. Also Read: KKR vs MI, IPL 2022 prediction today: Who will win Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians match? Mumbai Indians' predicted playing XI against KKR: Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Kieron Pollard, Tim David, Daniel Sams, Murugan Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Tymal Mills, Basil Thampi

IPL 2022: Suryakumar Yadav back? Mumbai Indians' predicted playing XI for KKR clash

Ishan Kishan is rising in stature with each passing year due to his fearless striking and keeping skills, for both Team India and Mumbai Indians (MI). Like every keeper-batter in India idolises MS Dhoni, Ishan is no exception. However, Ishan and Dhoni have never shared a dressing room for India and even in the IPL.

Nonetheless, Dhoni and Ishan have been in the same XI while representing the Jharkhand team. When Ishan-Dhoni were part of Jharkhand a Vijay Hazare Trophy, the youngster was left clueless and puzzled with his senior pro's hand-gestures on the field. Ishan revealed the hilarious incident during the second episode of Breakfast With Champions Season 7 with host Gaurav Kapur.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-dinesh-karthik-on-cusp-of-joining-ms-dhoni-in-an-elite-list-during-rcb-rr-clash-468589">IPL 2022: Dinesh Karthik on cusp of joining MS Dhoni in an elite list during RCB-RR clash</a>

Kishan revealed,&nbsp;"When I joined the Vijay Hazare team, I was in Dhoni bhai’s side. And I was fielding at third man. Suddenly, the strike changed and Dhoni bhai was like (imitating Dhoni’s hand gestures)."

“I was like ‘yeh kya ho gaya?’ (What just happened right now?). I had no idea where I had to move. I then asked the slip fielder, ‘Brother, can you ask him where should I go? Even then, Dhoni was like (imitating Dhoni’s hand gestures again). I was like ‘kidhar jau bhai main?’ (Where should I go)," the MI opener added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-was-talking-to-rohit-sharma-ms-dhoni-rishabh-pant-recalls-his-tough-phase-before-miraculous-comeback-468334">'I was talking to Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni' - Rishabh Pant recalls his tough phase before miraculous comeback</a>

At present, both Dhoni and Ishan are involved in the IPL 2022 edition. While Dhoni has stepped down as the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, Ishan is leading the charge for MI with two successive half-centuries in the five-time champions' opening two games. So far, both CSK and MI are winless in the 15th season.

Ishan Kishan is rising in stature with each passing year due to his fearless striking and keeping skills, for both Team India and Mumbai Indians (MI). Like every keeper-batter in India idolises MS Dhoni, Ishan is no exception.

Ishan Kishan is rising in stature with each passing year due to his fearless striking and keeping skills, for both Team India and Mumbai Indians (MI). Like every keeper-batter in India idolises MS Dhoni, Ishan is no exception. However, Ishan and Dhoni have never shared a dressing room for India and even in the IPL. Nonetheless, Dhoni and Ishan have been in the same XI while representing the Jharkhand team. When Ishan-Dhoni were part of Jharkhand a Vijay Hazare Trophy, the youngster was left clueless and puzzled with his senior pro's hand-gestures on the field. Ishan revealed the hilarious incident during the second episode of Breakfast With Champions Season 7 with host Gaurav Kapur. ALSO READ | IPL 2022: Dinesh Karthik on cusp of joining MS Dhoni in an elite list during RCB-RR clash Kishan revealed, "When I joined the Vijay Hazare team, I was in Dhoni bhai’s side. And I was fielding at third man. Suddenly, the strike changed and Dhoni bhai was like (imitating Dhoni’s hand gestures)." “I was like ‘yeh kya ho gaya?’ (What just happened right now?). I had no idea where I had to move. I then asked the slip fielder, ‘Brother, can you ask him where should I go? Even then, Dhoni was like (imitating Dhoni’s hand gestures again). I was like ‘kidhar jau bhai main?’ (Where should I go)," the MI opener added. ALSO READ | 'I was talking to Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni' - Rishabh Pant recalls his tough phase before miraculous comeback At present, both Dhoni and Ishan are involved in the IPL 2022 edition. While Dhoni has stepped down as the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, Ishan is leading the charge for MI with two successive half-centuries in the five-time champions' opening two games. So far, both CSK and MI are winless in the 15th season.

MI star Ishan Kishan shares a hilarious incident on how MS Dhoni's hand-gestures left him puzzled

Mumbai Indians (MI) star Ishan Kishan was the most expensive pick at the IPL 2022 mega auction in February earlier this year. Kishan has lived up to his Rs 15.25 crore (152.5 million) &nbsp;price tag with back-to-back half-centuries in the first two games and is currently among the highest run-getters so far in IPL 2022.

Mumbai Indians had gone all out at the IPL 2022 mega auction earlier this year to ensure they can get Ishan back after releasing him. The wicket-keeper batter saw teams engage in a huge bidding war for him as he ended up becoming the costliest buy at the auction. He was finally picked up by Mumbai Indians for a staggering amount.

It was not the first time Mumbai Indians had shelled out big money to buy Ishan at the IPL auction. In 2018, the four-time champions had first signed the young keeper batter for a sum of Rs 6.2 crore (INR 62 million). It was a huge amount at the time as Kishan was yet to prove his credentials in the IPL.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/younger-members-of-the-team-felt-intimidated-by-anil-kumble-vinod-rai-reveals-chat-with-virat-kohi-468541">Younger members of the team felt intimidated by Anil Kumble: Vinod Rai reveals chat with Virat Kohli</a>

Speaking on host Gaurav Kapoor's show Breakfast With Champions, Ishan recalled his family's hilarious reaction after he had bagged a lucrative deal with Mumbai Indians at the IPL 2018 mega auction. Ishan revealed he was relaxed on the auction day and had gone out to play football with his friends but it was not the case with his family, who were overjoyed after he was picked by Mumbai Indians.

"I was chilled out. It was my auction, I should be stressed about it. I had gone to play football with my friends. When the auction ended I got a call from Monu Bhai. He is telling me what all happened at the auction. I was like it's good I have been sold for good money, I should go home and meet everyone," Ishan said on the show.

"I went home and saw that mom is on the call, cheeks red and on a call. I saw that dad wasn't even there. I asked where is dad? She said, 'He has gone to the hospital to check his BP'. I am thinking 'what has happened to my family?' (Laughs)," he revealed as he spoke about his parents' reaction.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/they-seemed-to-have-got-carried-away-rai-recalls-hardik-rahuls-infamous-appearance-on-talk-show-468564">They seemed to have got carried away: Rai recalls Hardik-Rahul's infamous appearance on a talk show</a>

<h3>Everyone was crying when I got selected for India: Ishan Kishan</h3>

After impressing for Mumbai Indians in his first three seasons with the franchise in the IPL, Ishan made his international debut for India in March 2021 and went on to shine for the Men in Blue. He was also included in India's T20 World Cup squad last year and is now a permanent member of the T20I squad.

&nbsp;

The wicket-keeper batter, who hails from Bihar, revealed his family members couldn't control their tears and everyone was crying when they first heard the news of his selection for Team India last year.

"Everyone was crying. Who would I talk on the phone? When I got selected in the Indian team, I called my mom. She was crying. Then I heard that even my dad was getting all emotional. But I get it. They have seen their son work hard and when he finally gets it, they will surely be happy," said Ishan.

&nbsp;

Mumbai Indians (MI) star Ishan Kishan was the most expensive pick at the IPL 2022 mega auction in February earlier this year. Kishan has lived up to his Rs 15.25 crore (152.

Mumbai Indians (MI) star Ishan Kishan was the most expensive pick at the IPL 2022 mega auction in February earlier this year. Kishan has lived up to his Rs 15.25 crore (152.5 million) price tag with back-to-back half-centuries in the first two games and is currently among the highest run-getters so far in IPL 2022. Mumbai Indians had gone all out at the IPL 2022 mega auction earlier this year to ensure they can get Ishan back after releasing him. The wicket-keeper batter saw teams engage in a huge bidding war for him as he ended up becoming the costliest buy at the auction. He was finally picked up by Mumbai Indians for a staggering amount. It was not the first time Mumbai Indians had shelled out big money to buy Ishan at the IPL auction. In 2018, the four-time champions had first signed the young keeper batter for a sum of Rs 6.2 crore (INR 62 million). It was a huge amount at the time as Kishan was yet to prove his credentials in the IPL. Also Read: Younger members of the team felt intimidated by Anil Kumble: Vinod Rai reveals chat with Virat Kohli Speaking on host Gaurav Kapoor's show Breakfast With Champions, Ishan recalled his family's hilarious reaction after he had bagged a lucrative deal with Mumbai Indians at the IPL 2018 mega auction. Ishan revealed he was relaxed on the auction day and had gone out to play football with his friends but it was not the case with his family, who were overjoyed after he was picked by Mumbai Indians. "I was chilled out. It was my auction, I should be stressed about it. I had gone to play football with my friends. When the auction ended I got a call from Monu Bhai. He is telling me what all happened at the auction. I was like it's good I have been sold for good money, I should go home and meet everyone," Ishan said on the show. "I went home and saw that mom is on the call, cheeks red and on a call. I saw that dad wasn't even there. I asked where is dad? She said, 'He has gone to the hospital to check his BP'. I am thinking 'what has happened to my family?' (Laughs)," he revealed as he spoke about his parents' reaction. Also Read: They seemed to have got carried away: Rai recalls Hardik-Rahul's infamous appearance on a talk show Everyone was crying when I got selected for India: Ishan Kishan After impressing for Mumbai Indians in his first three seasons with the franchise in the IPL, Ishan made his international debut for India in March 2021 and went on to shine for the Men in Blue. He was also included in India's T20 World Cup squad last year and is now a permanent member of the T20I squad. The wicket-keeper batter, who hails from Bihar, revealed his family members couldn't control their tears and everyone was crying when they first heard the news of his selection for Team India last year. "Everyone was crying. Who would I talk on the phone? When I got selected in the Indian team, I called my mom. She was crying. Then I heard that even my dad was getting all emotional. But I get it. They have seen their son work hard and when he finally gets it, they will surely be happy," said Ishan.

'Dad has gone to the hospital': Ishan Kishan recalls his family's reaction to MI's bid for him in IPL 2018

Jos Buttler's manic mayhem was matched in equal measure by spin twins Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal as Rajasthan Royals beat Mumbai Indians by 23 runs in an IPL match on Saturday.

Buttler (100 off 68 balls) scored his second IPL ton off only 66 balls to help the Royals to 193 for 8, which seemed slightly sub-par due to Jasprit Bumrah's (3/17 in 4 overs) brilliant effort.

Ishan Kishan (54 off 43 balls) and unheralded N Tilak Verma (61 off 33 balls) added 81 in 8 overs before Ashwin (1/30 in 4 overs) and Chahal (2/26 in 4 overs) decisively tilted the game in RR's favour between overs 14 to 16 as MI managed only 170 for 8 after 20 overs.

While Royals have now won two out of two, MI have lost both their games in another dismal start to an IPL season.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/updated-ipl-2022-points-table-after-rajasthan-royals-vs-mumbai-indians-clash-467749">Updated IPL 2022 points table after Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians clash</a>

In the end, there were two factors that combined to bring about MI's downfall. 
Firstly, it was Buttler's (11 fours and five sixes) assault against MI's weak-links like Basil Thampi and Murugan Ashwin that made the difference.

Three such overs yielded 73 runs and even Bumrah's brilliance didn't seem to be enough in the final context of the match.

And then while bowling, in between overs 14 and 16, Chahal-Ashwin combination gave away only 16 runs and the chase was derailed.

In the last four overs also, Trent Boult (1 for 29 in four overs), Prasidh Krishna (1/37 in 4 overs) and Navdeep Saini (2/36 in 3 overs) kept things tight by not giving Kieron Pollard (22 off 24 overs) any room to free his arms.

All of them knowing Pollard's weakness against fast wide yorkers, bowled them aplenty to keep the West Indies white-ball skipper under tight leash.

If there was one plus point for MI, that will be young Tilak Verma, who could be the next big player for the franchise with his eye-catching elegance coupled with brute power.

The reverse swept six off Ashwin was brilliant but Tilak played one slog sweep too many to get out off the next ball.

Buttler played shots all round the park to bring up his second IPL hundred and first of the current edition. It was all the more praiseworthy as Yashashvi Jaiswal (1) and Devdutt Padikkal (7) were dismissed cheaply.

Skipper Sanju Samson (30 off 21 balls) played a good knock as he and Buttler conjured 82 runs for the third wicket.

A late cameo by Shimron Hetymar (35 off 14 balls; 3x4; 3x6) compounded the bowling team's woes.

Buttler, who was off the mark with a boundary to fine-leg and hit his first maximum, a pull shot over mid-wicket, off Daniel Sams (0/32), in the second over seemed on a rampage.

He tore into Basil Thampi's fourth over, hammering him for three maximums and two boundaries, as Rajasthan fetched 26 runs and raced to 43/1.

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Buttler, who hit two successive boundaries off Sams, brought up his fifty in just 32 balls and then took the Mumbai Indians attack to task.

At 87/2, after 10 overs, the stage was set for a big score. Buttler was playing big shots at will and was ably supported by his captain. The duo was brutal on Murugan Ashwin, hitting him for 21-runs in the 11th over.

Samson struck three sixes and a four, before being dismissed by Kieron Pollard in the 15th over.

Then it was the Hetymar show, as he hit compatriot Pollard for two fours and as many sixes in the 17th over, where RR got 26 runs.

Buttler paced his innings well and reached to the three-figure mark with a single. However, Bumrah's 19th over partially got MI back in the game.

Jos Buttler's manic mayhem was matched in equal measure by spin twins Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal as Rajasthan Royals beat Mumbai Indians by 23 runs in an IPL match on Saturday.

Jos Buttler's manic mayhem was matched in equal measure by spin twins Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal as Rajasthan Royals beat Mumbai Indians by 23 runs in an IPL match on Saturday. Buttler (100 off 68 balls) scored his second IPL ton off only 66 balls to help the Royals to 193 for 8, which seemed slightly sub-par due to Jasprit Bumrah's (3/17 in 4 overs) brilliant effort. Ishan Kishan (54 off 43 balls) and unheralded N Tilak Verma (61 off 33 balls) added 81 in 8 overs before Ashwin (1/30 in 4 overs) and Chahal (2/26 in 4 overs) decisively tilted the game in RR's favour between overs 14 to 16 as MI managed only 170 for 8 after 20 overs. While Royals have now won two out of two, MI have lost both their games in another dismal start to an IPL season. ALSO READ: Updated IPL 2022 points table after Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians clash In the end, there were two factors that combined to bring about MI's downfall. Firstly, it was Buttler's (11 fours and five sixes) assault against MI's weak-links like Basil Thampi and Murugan Ashwin that made the difference. Three such overs yielded 73 runs and even Bumrah's brilliance didn't seem to be enough in the final context of the match. And then while bowling, in between overs 14 and 16, Chahal-Ashwin combination gave away only 16 runs and the chase was derailed. In the last four overs also, Trent Boult (1 for 29 in four overs), Prasidh Krishna (1/37 in 4 overs) and Navdeep Saini (2/36 in 3 overs) kept things tight by not giving Kieron Pollard (22 off 24 overs) any room to free his arms. All of them knowing Pollard's weakness against fast wide yorkers, bowled them aplenty to keep the West Indies white-ball skipper under tight leash. If there was one plus point for MI, that will be young Tilak Verma, who could be the next big player for the franchise with his eye-catching elegance coupled with brute power. The reverse swept six off Ashwin was brilliant but Tilak played one slog sweep too many to get out off the next ball. Buttler played shots all round the park to bring up his second IPL hundred and first of the current edition. It was all the more praiseworthy as Yashashvi Jaiswal (1) and Devdutt Padikkal (7) were dismissed cheaply. Skipper Sanju Samson (30 off 21 balls) played a good knock as he and Buttler conjured 82 runs for the third wicket. A late cameo by Shimron Hetymar (35 off 14 balls; 3x4; 3x6) compounded the bowling team's woes. Buttler, who was off the mark with a boundary to fine-leg and hit his first maximum, a pull shot over mid-wicket, off Daniel Sams (0/32), in the second over seemed on a rampage. He tore into Basil Thampi's fourth over, hammering him for three maximums and two boundaries, as Rajasthan fetched 26 runs and raced to 43/1. ALSO READ: 'Good signs for Gujarat Titans': Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan hail Hardik Pandya's bowling comeback Buttler, who hit two successive boundaries off Sams, brought up his fifty in just 32 balls and then took the Mumbai Indians attack to task. At 87/2, after 10 overs, the stage was set for a big score. Buttler was playing big shots at will and was ably supported by his captain. The duo was brutal on Murugan Ashwin, hitting him for 21-runs in the 11th over. Samson struck three sixes and a four, before being dismissed by Kieron Pollard in the 15th over. Then it was the Hetymar show, as he hit compatriot Pollard for two fours and as many sixes in the 17th over, where RR got 26 runs. Buttler paced his innings well and reached to the three-figure mark with a single. However, Bumrah's 19th over partially got MI back in the game.

IPL 2022: Jos Buttler, Yuzvendra Chahal power Rajasthan Royals to 23-run win over Mumbai Indians

Fighting knocks from Lalit Yadav and Axar Patel helped Delhi Capitals in defeating Mumbai Indians by 4 wickets in the Indian Premier League 2022 clash on Sunday.

At the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, Lalit Yadav and Axar Patel played unbeaten knocks of 48 and 38 respectively as Delhi chased the target of 178 with 10 balls left to play.

Capitals who needed 75 off 42 at one point looked deep in trouble when Shardul Thakur became the sixth wicket to fall soon after.

But they weren't done yet as Patel and Yadav pulled off a coup to gather points for Capitals.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-yuzvendra-chahal-irfan-pathan-laud-kuldeep-yadav-for-brilliant-show-against-mi-466030">IPL 2022: Yuzvendra Chahal, Irfan Pathan laud Kuldeep Yadav for brilliant show against MI</a>

Earlier, knocks from Ishan Kishan and captain Rohit Sharma led Mumbai Indians to a total of 177/5 in their Indian Premier League 2022 match against Delhi Capitals.

Chasing 178, Delhi got off to a bad start as they lost three wickets inside the first six overs. Murugan Ashwin was the pick for Rohit Sharma as bowler removed Tim Seifert for 21 and Mandeep Singh in his first over for Mumbai Indians.

In the very next over which was the 5th of the innings, Tymal Mills sent DC captain Rishabh Pant back in the hut. With a short length delivery just outside off stump, Pant looked to cut over point but got the outside edge that travelled straight to Tim David at third man.

Delhi's score read 46/3 after the first powerplay.

Lalit Yadav then joined opener, Prithvi Shaw, on the crease as both batters kept runs clocking for Delhi. With DC looking to gain momentum in the middle overs, Basil Thampi struck twice in the 10th over to dismantle the chase of Capitals.

Thampi first sent set opener, Prithvi Shaw, for 38 and then packed the bags of Rovman Powell in the same over.

Thampi struck again in the 14th over to remove dangerous-looking Shardul Thakur for 22. MI bowler got his third wicket of the day as Thakur went for the pull but the ball was fuller for the shot and hence got the top edge that went to Rohit Sharma at covers.

Axar Patel then joined Lalit Yadav in the middle and both batters valiantly took the charge against MI bowlers as Delhi needed 28 runs from 18 balls.

The 18th over proved vital as Patel and Yadav smashed Daniel Sams for 24 runs which included three mammoth sixes as Delhi ended any hope of Mumbai.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/delhi-capitals-tim-seifert-pulls-off-stunning-catch-to-send-kieron-pollard-packing-in-mi-clash-watch-466008https://www.wionews.com/sports/delhi-capitals-tim-seifert-pulls-off-stunning-catch-to-send-kieron-pollard-packing-in-mi-clash-watch-466008https://www.wionews.com/sports/delhi-capitals-tim-seifert-pulls-off-stunning-catch-to-send-kieron-pollard-packing-in-mi-clash-watch-466008">Delhi Capitals' Tim Seifert pulls off stunning catch to send Kieron Pollard packing in MI clash - WATCH</a>

In the second ball of the penultimate over Patel smashed Jasprit Bumrah to four and Capitals took the honours and grabbed all the points.

Put in to bat first, Mumbai Indians amassed a total of 177/5 in their assigned twenty overs as Ishan Kishan who was bought for Rs 15.25 crore in IPL Auction by five-time champions smashed an unbeaten 81 while skipper Rohit played a crucial knock of 41.

For Delhi, spinner Kuldeep Yadav stole the limelight as he scalped three wickets and Khaleel Ahmed took two.

Brief Scores: Mumbai Indians 177/5 (Ishan Kishan 81*, Rohit Sharma 41; Kuldeep Yadav 3-18) vs Delhi Capitals 179/6 (Lalit Yadav 48*, Axar Patel 38*; Basil Thampi 3-35).

Fighting knocks from Lalit Yadav and Axar Patel helped Delhi Capitals in defeating Mumbai Indians by 4 wickets in the Indian Premier League 2022 clash on Sunday.

Fighting knocks from Lalit Yadav and Axar Patel helped Delhi Capitals in defeating Mumbai Indians by 4 wickets in the Indian Premier League 2022 clash on Sunday. At the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, Lalit Yadav and Axar Patel played unbeaten knocks of 48 and 38 respectively as Delhi chased the target of 178 with 10 balls left to play. Capitals who needed 75 off 42 at one point looked deep in trouble when Shardul Thakur became the sixth wicket to fall soon after. But they weren't done yet as Patel and Yadav pulled off a coup to gather points for Capitals. ALSO READ: IPL 2022: Yuzvendra Chahal, Irfan Pathan laud Kuldeep Yadav for brilliant show against MI Earlier, knocks from Ishan Kishan and captain Rohit Sharma led Mumbai Indians to a total of 177/5 in their Indian Premier League 2022 match against Delhi Capitals. Chasing 178, Delhi got off to a bad start as they lost three wickets inside the first six overs. Murugan Ashwin was the pick for Rohit Sharma as bowler removed Tim Seifert for 21 and Mandeep Singh in his first over for Mumbai Indians. In the very next over which was the 5th of the innings, Tymal Mills sent DC captain Rishabh Pant back in the hut. With a short length delivery just outside off stump, Pant looked to cut over point but got the outside edge that travelled straight to Tim David at third man. Delhi's score read 46/3 after the first powerplay. Lalit Yadav then joined opener, Prithvi Shaw, on the crease as both batters kept runs clocking for Delhi. With DC looking to gain momentum in the middle overs, Basil Thampi struck twice in the 10th over to dismantle the chase of Capitals. Thampi first sent set opener, Prithvi Shaw, for 38 and then packed the bags of Rovman Powell in the same over. Thampi struck again in the 14th over to remove dangerous-looking Shardul Thakur for 22. MI bowler got his third wicket of the day as Thakur went for the pull but the ball was fuller for the shot and hence got the top edge that went to Rohit Sharma at covers. Axar Patel then joined Lalit Yadav in the middle and both batters valiantly took the charge against MI bowlers as Delhi needed 28 runs from 18 balls. The 18th over proved vital as Patel and Yadav smashed Daniel Sams for 24 runs which included three mammoth sixes as Delhi ended any hope of Mumbai. ALSO READ: Delhi Capitals' Tim Seifert pulls off stunning catch to send Kieron Pollard packing in MI clash - WATCH In the second ball of the penultimate over Patel smashed Jasprit Bumrah to four and Capitals took the honours and grabbed all the points. Put in to bat first, Mumbai Indians amassed a total of 177/5 in their assigned twenty overs as Ishan Kishan who was bought for Rs 15.25 crore in IPL Auction by five-time champions smashed an unbeaten 81 while skipper Rohit played a crucial knock of 41. For Delhi, spinner Kuldeep Yadav stole the limelight as he scalped three wickets and Khaleel Ahmed took two. Brief Scores: Mumbai Indians 177/5 (Ishan Kishan 81*, Rohit Sharma 41; Kuldeep Yadav 3-18) vs Delhi Capitals 179/6 (Lalit Yadav 48*, Axar Patel 38*; Basil Thampi 3-35).

IPL 2022: Kishan's 81* in vain as Lalit, Axar power Delhi Capitals to four-wicket win against Mumbai Indians

India have a very settled top order in T20Is heading into the upcoming edition of the ICC T20 World Cup which is scheduled to take place in Australia this year. While the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant are all but confirmed to feature in the top four, there is intense competition when it comes to remaining batting positions with a number of star batters in the fray.

The likes of Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson and Venkatesh Iyer among others are strong contenders for spots in the middle-order. Iyer, who was in magnificent form in the recently-concluded three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with three back-to-back unbeaten half-centuries has increased the selection headache for the Indian team ahead of the T20 World Cup.

While the opening combination is all but certain to be that of skipper Rohit and vice-captain KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan has also presented a strong case with his ability to strike the ball from the word go and provide destructive starts at the top of the order. However, former Australia spinner Brad Hogg believes former skipper Virat Kohli should be opening the batting for the team if he part of the XI in T20Is.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shreyas-iyer-joins-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-kl-rahul-in-elite-list-after-dream-run-in-sri-lanka-t20is-457333">Shreyas Iyer joins Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul in elite list after dream run in Sri Lanka T20Is</a>

Open with Kohli, Iyer at 3 and Pant at 4: Hogg

Hogg said Kohli should open the batting with Rohit for India in T20Is while Iyer can bat at number three and Pant can be sent in at number four. The former Australia spinner suggested Rahul be slotted in the middle order while suggesting that Suryakumar, who has been in terrific form over the last few months, can also play at number 5. Hogg said India can then play two all-rounders in Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya at 6 and 7.

"For me, if you're going to have Kohli in the team, he should be opening the batting with Rohit. I'd like to have Shreyas Iyer coming in at No.3 and Pant at No.4. Have to try to get KL Rahul in there as well at some stage. If Pandya is fit, he and Jadeja can feature at No.6 and 7," Hogg said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/with-siraj-harshal-and-avesh-in-the-mix-indias-pace-attack-shaping-up-well-for-t20-world-cup-2022-457207">With Siraj, Harshal and Avesh in the mix, India's pace attack shaping up well for T20 World Cup 2022</a>

The former Australia spinner also gave his take on what should India's bowling attack look like heading into the T20 World Cup Down Under this year.

&nbsp;"I'd have Siraj, Bumrah and Shami are the quicks. Chahal will be the lead spinner. Suryakumar Yadav coming in at No.5. If Pandya is not fit, then Venkatesh Iyer coming in at No.6," Hogg added. 
&nbsp;

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India have a very settled top order in T20Is heading into the upcoming edition of the ICC T20 World Cup which is scheduled to take place in Australia this year. While the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant are all but confirmed to feature in the top four, there is intense competition when it comes to remaining batting positions with a number of star batters in the fray.

India have a very settled top order in T20Is heading into the upcoming edition of the ICC T20 World Cup which is scheduled to take place in Australia this year. While the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant are all but confirmed to feature in the top four, there is intense competition when it comes to remaining batting positions with a number of star batters in the fray. The likes of Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson and Venkatesh Iyer among others are strong contenders for spots in the middle-order. Iyer, who was in magnificent form in the recently-concluded three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with three back-to-back unbeaten half-centuries has increased the selection headache for the Indian team ahead of the T20 World Cup. While the opening combination is all but certain to be that of skipper Rohit and vice-captain KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan has also presented a strong case with his ability to strike the ball from the word go and provide destructive starts at the top of the order. However, former Australia spinner Brad Hogg believes former skipper Virat Kohli should be opening the batting for the team if he part of the XI in T20Is. Also Read: Shreyas Iyer joins Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul in elite list after dream run in Sri Lanka T20Is Open with Kohli, Iyer at 3 and Pant at 4: Hogg Hogg said Kohli should open the batting with Rohit for India in T20Is while Iyer can bat at number three and Pant can be sent in at number four. The former Australia spinner suggested Rahul be slotted in the middle order while suggesting that Suryakumar, who has been in terrific form over the last few months, can also play at number 5. Hogg said India can then play two all-rounders in Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya at 6 and 7. "For me, if you're going to have Kohli in the team, he should be opening the batting with Rohit. I'd like to have Shreyas Iyer coming in at No.3 and Pant at No.4. Have to try to get KL Rahul in there as well at some stage. If Pandya is fit, he and Jadeja can feature at No.6 and 7," Hogg said. Also Read: With Siraj, Harshal and Avesh in the mix, India's pace attack shaping up well for T20 World Cup 2022 The former Australia spinner also gave his take on what should India's bowling attack look like heading into the T20 World Cup Down Under this year. "I'd have Siraj, Bumrah and Shami are the quicks. Chahal will be the lead spinner. Suryakumar Yadav coming in at No.5. If Pandya is not fit, then Venkatesh Iyer coming in at No.6," Hogg added.

Not Rahul or Kishan! Ex-Australia spinner names batter who should open with Rohit for India in T20Is

Rohit Sharma-led Team India will be aiming to pull off their third successive T20 series clean sweep in a row when they take on Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I of the three-match series on Sunday (February 27). India defeated Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the second T20I at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on Saturday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series with back-to-back wins.

Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson were the stars of India's victory as the trio played brilliant knocks with the bat to power India to a comprehensive win. Asked to chase down the target of 184 runs in 20 overs, India rode on Iyer's 44-ball 74 and crucial knocks of 39 and 45 runs from Samson and Jadeja respectively to wrap up the run chase with 17 balls to spare.

India will be looking to continue their winning run in the third T20I. However, the hosts have received a major setback ahead of the final game as wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan suffered a head injury while batting during the second T20I and is likely to miss the clash.

Kishan was hot on the helmet by a vicious bouncer from Lahiru Kumara while batting and suffered a head injury. He was taken to hospital for scans and is unlikely to take the field in the 3rd T20I. In his absence, backup opener Mayank Agarwal can be asked to open the innings with Rohit in the third T20I. Samson will keep the wickets and will continue to bat at number four.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-achieves-new-milestone-as-captain-after-india-hammer-sri-lanka-in-2nd-t20i-457071">Rohit Sharma achieves new milestone as captain after India hammer Sri Lanka in 2nd T20I</a>

With Jadeja back in the squad and finding his groove, he will continue to bat up the order while all-rounders Venkatesh Iyer and Deepak Hooda will continue to don the finisher's role for the team.&nbsp;There is no change expected in the bowling department with Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Harshal Patel comprising the pace attack. Yuzvendra Chahal will keep his spot as the lone spinner in the side.

India's predicted XI for 3rd T20I against Sri Lanka:

Rohit Sharma (c), Mayank Agarwal, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravi Bishnoi.

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Rohit Sharma-led Team India will be aiming to pull off their third successive T20 series clean sweep in a row when they take on Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I of the three-match series on Sunday (February 27).

Rohit Sharma-led Team India will be aiming to pull off their third successive T20 series clean sweep in a row when they take on Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I of the three-match series on Sunday (February 27). India defeated Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the second T20I at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on Saturday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series with back-to-back wins. Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson were the stars of India's victory as the trio played brilliant knocks with the bat to power India to a comprehensive win. Asked to chase down the target of 184 runs in 20 overs, India rode on Iyer's 44-ball 74 and crucial knocks of 39 and 45 runs from Samson and Jadeja respectively to wrap up the run chase with 17 balls to spare. India will be looking to continue their winning run in the third T20I. However, the hosts have received a major setback ahead of the final game as wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan suffered a head injury while batting during the second T20I and is likely to miss the clash. Kishan was hot on the helmet by a vicious bouncer from Lahiru Kumara while batting and suffered a head injury. He was taken to hospital for scans and is unlikely to take the field in the 3rd T20I. In his absence, backup opener Mayank Agarwal can be asked to open the innings with Rohit in the third T20I. Samson will keep the wickets and will continue to bat at number four. Also Read: Rohit Sharma achieves new milestone as captain after India hammer Sri Lanka in 2nd T20I With Jadeja back in the squad and finding his groove, he will continue to bat up the order while all-rounders Venkatesh Iyer and Deepak Hooda will continue to don the finisher's role for the team. There is no change expected in the bowling department with Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Harshal Patel comprising the pace attack. Yuzvendra Chahal will keep his spot as the lone spinner in the side. India's predicted XI for 3rd T20I against Sri Lanka: Rohit Sharma (c), Mayank Agarwal, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravi Bishnoi.

Ishan Kishan to miss out? Rohit Sharma-led India's predicted playing XI for 3rd T20I against Sri Lanka

India batter Ishan Kishan has been discharged from the hospital after suffering a head injury during the second T20I against Sri Lanka on Saturday.

"Ishan Kishan discharged from the hospital but he is under close observation of BCCI's medical team. He is likely to be rested from the third T20I against Sri Lanka," sources in the know of developments told ANI.

Ishan Kishan sustained a head injury on Saturday and was rushed to a hospital in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh after the second T20I.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-achieves-new-milestone-as-captain-after-india-hammer-sri-lanka-in-2nd-t20i-457071">Rohit Sharma achieves new milestone as captain after India hammer Sri Lanka in 2nd T20I</a>

Apart from him, Sri Lanka batter Dinesh Chandimal was also taken to the hospital after he endured a thumb injury while fielding.

Coming to the second T20I, Shreyas Iyer smashed a stylish fifty before Ravindra Jadeja slammed 45 in 18 balls to help India defeat Sri Lanka in the second T20I by seven wickets on Saturday.

With this win, India also sealed the two-match T20I series (2-0) with a game to go. The third T20I between both sides will be played on Sunday.

India batter Ishan Kishan has been discharged from the hospital after suffering a head injury during the second T20I against Sri Lanka on Saturday. "Ishan Kishan discharged from the hospital but he is under close observation of BCCI's medical team.

India batter Ishan Kishan has been discharged from the hospital after suffering a head injury during the second T20I against Sri Lanka on Saturday. "Ishan Kishan discharged from the hospital but he is under close observation of BCCI's medical team. He is likely to be rested from the third T20I against Sri Lanka," sources in the know of developments told ANI. Ishan Kishan sustained a head injury on Saturday and was rushed to a hospital in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh after the second T20I. ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma achieves new milestone as captain after India hammer Sri Lanka in 2nd T20I Apart from him, Sri Lanka batter Dinesh Chandimal was also taken to the hospital after he endured a thumb injury while fielding. Coming to the second T20I, Shreyas Iyer smashed a stylish fifty before Ravindra Jadeja slammed 45 in 18 balls to help India defeat Sri Lanka in the second T20I by seven wickets on Saturday. With this win, India also sealed the two-match T20I series (2-0) with a game to go. The third T20I between both sides will be played on Sunday.

Ishan Kishan discharged from hospital after suffering head injury, likely to be rested for 3rd T20I vs SL

Indian opener Ishan Kishan was admitted to a hospital after coping a nasty blow on his helmet while batting during the second T20I between India and Sri Lanka on Saturday (February 26). Kishan opened the batting with skipper Rohit Sharma after Sri Lanka handed India a target of 184 runs in the game.

Kishan was hit on the helmet after a nasty bouncer from Sri Lankan pacer Lahiru Kumara in the powerplay. Kishan, who had scored 14 off 11 balls at the time, was seen in discomfort after being hit on the helmet and was immediately attended by the Indian team's medical staff. He underwent a mandatory concussion check and was deemed fine to continue batting.

However, his stay out in the middle was cut short in the sixth over. Ishan was dismissed by Kumara after managing to score only 16 runs off 15 deliveries. It has now been revealed the left-hand batter was taken to a hospital for scans after being hit on the head and has been admitted for treatment.

As per a report in ANI, Kishan sustained a head injury and has to be rushed to a hospital in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra. A doctor&nbsp;revealed the cricketer is currently under observation at the hospital.

"I have been attached to the Indian team and I got information that an Indian player, who has sustained a head injury, has been brought here in the hospital. His CT scan was conducted and he has been under observation," the doctor was quoted as saying by ANI.

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Kishan had started the series with a match-winning knock of 89 runs in the first T20I in Lucknow. He was looking to continue his fine form in the second T20I in Dharamshala on Saturday but the injury came as a huge setback for the wicket-keeper batter. The Indian team will be hoping for his quick recovery.

After his dismissal during India's run chase of 185 runs, Shreyas Iyer once again starred with the bat as he smashed a quickfire 74 off 44 balls laced with six fours and four sixes. The likes of Sanju Samson (39 off 35) and Ravindra Jadeja (45 off 18) also played two crucial knocks as India wrapped up the game with 17 balls to spare.

With the win, India have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series and will be eyeing a clean sweep when they take on Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I on Sunday (February 27).

Indian opener Ishan Kishan was admitted to a hospital after coping a nasty blow on his helmet while batting during the second T20I between India and Sri Lanka on Saturday (February 26).

Indian opener Ishan Kishan was admitted to a hospital after coping a nasty blow on his helmet while batting during the second T20I between India and Sri Lanka on Saturday (February 26). Kishan opened the batting with skipper Rohit Sharma after Sri Lanka handed India a target of 184 runs in the game. Kishan was hit on the helmet after a nasty bouncer from Sri Lankan pacer Lahiru Kumara in the powerplay. Kishan, who had scored 14 off 11 balls at the time, was seen in discomfort after being hit on the helmet and was immediately attended by the Indian team's medical staff. He underwent a mandatory concussion check and was deemed fine to continue batting. However, his stay out in the middle was cut short in the sixth over. Ishan was dismissed by Kumara after managing to score only 16 runs off 15 deliveries. It has now been revealed the left-hand batter was taken to a hospital for scans after being hit on the head and has been admitted for treatment. As per a report in ANI, Kishan sustained a head injury and has to be rushed to a hospital in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra. A doctor revealed the cricketer is currently under observation at the hospital. "I have been attached to the Indian team and I got information that an Indian player, who has sustained a head injury, has been brought here in the hospital. His CT scan was conducted and he has been under observation," the doctor was quoted as saying by ANI. Also Read: Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja keep India's winning streak alive, Men in Blue win T20I series vs Sri Lanka Kishan had started the series with a match-winning knock of 89 runs in the first T20I in Lucknow. He was looking to continue his fine form in the second T20I in Dharamshala on Saturday but the injury came as a huge setback for the wicket-keeper batter. The Indian team will be hoping for his quick recovery. After his dismissal during India's run chase of 185 runs, Shreyas Iyer once again starred with the bat as he smashed a quickfire 74 off 44 balls laced with six fours and four sixes. The likes of Sanju Samson (39 off 35) and Ravindra Jadeja (45 off 18) also played two crucial knocks as India wrapped up the game with 17 balls to spare. With the win, India have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series and will be eyeing a clean sweep when they take on Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I on Sunday (February 27).

Ishan Kishan admitted to hospital after being hit on head by a nasty bouncer during 2nd T20I against SL

Young Indian opener Ishan Kishan credited captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid along with senior batter Virat Kohli for backing him during his rough patch in the recently-concluded T20I series against West Indies at home. In the absence of KL Rahul, Kishan was handed the opportunity to open for India in all three T20Is, however, he failed to impress.

Kishan had managed to score only 71 runs in the three matches against West Indies but bounced back to form with a splendid knock of 89 runs in the first T20I against Sri Lanka on Thursday. Kishan looked in phenomenal touch as he took the Sri Lankan bowlers to the cleaners during his brilliant knock.

Opening the batting with skipper Rohit, Ishan scored a stunning 89 runs off 56 balls laced with ten fours and three sixes. The duo posted a 111-run stand for the first wicket before Shreyas Iyer's quickfire 57 off 28 balls helped India post a huge total of 199 runs on the board.

With his brilliant knock, Kishan also went on to surpass Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul to create the record for the highest individual score by an Indian wicket-keeper in T20Is. The young left-hander spoke about his chats with the likes of Rohit and Dravid and revealed how they always stood by him during his rough patch against West Indies.

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"The seniors in the team always want a youngster to be in good head space. Be it Rohit Sharma, Rahul Dravid or Virat Kohli, they know how a youngster feels if he doesn't perform well. When I did not perform well against the West Indies, they were standing there with me, telling me 'we know about your talent, we know what you can do for the team. We trust in you. Don't ever think that we are doubting you'," Ishan said at the press conference after India's victory in the first T20I against Sri Lanka.

"When a youngster hears such words, he gets a lot of confidence. These small things while you're batting at the nets, they guide you. They have told me it's not always about hitting hard. We learn all these things whether we score runs or not," he added.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ishan-kishan-surpasses-ms-dhoni-rishabh-pant-to-create-new-record-for-team-india-in-t20is-456402">&nbsp;Ishan Kishan surpasses MS Dhoni, Rishabh Pant to create new record for Team India in T20Is</a>

Despite facing stiff competition for a spot in the squad, Kishan has managed to get a long rope owing to his talent and skills. He is likely to continue opening the batting for India in the remaining two T20Is against Sri Lanka. If he manages to continue his good form, Kishan can cement his spot in the T20 side in the run-up to the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia this year.

Young Indian opener Ishan Kishan credited captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid along with senior batter Virat Kohli for backing him during his rough patch in the recently-concluded T20I series against West Indies at home.

Young Indian opener Ishan Kishan credited captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid along with senior batter Virat Kohli for backing him during his rough patch in the recently-concluded T20I series against West Indies at home. In the absence of KL Rahul, Kishan was handed the opportunity to open for India in all three T20Is, however, he failed to impress. Kishan had managed to score only 71 runs in the three matches against West Indies but bounced back to form with a splendid knock of 89 runs in the first T20I against Sri Lanka on Thursday. Kishan looked in phenomenal touch as he took the Sri Lankan bowlers to the cleaners during his brilliant knock. Opening the batting with skipper Rohit, Ishan scored a stunning 89 runs off 56 balls laced with ten fours and three sixes. The duo posted a 111-run stand for the first wicket before Shreyas Iyer's quickfire 57 off 28 balls helped India post a huge total of 199 runs on the board. With his brilliant knock, Kishan also went on to surpass Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul to create the record for the highest individual score by an Indian wicket-keeper in T20Is. The young left-hander spoke about his chats with the likes of Rohit and Dravid and revealed how they always stood by him during his rough patch against West Indies. Also Read: BCCI announces new format for IPL 2022: Two groups of five, each team to play 14 games in league stage "The seniors in the team always want a youngster to be in good head space. Be it Rohit Sharma, Rahul Dravid or Virat Kohli, they know how a youngster feels if he doesn't perform well. When I did not perform well against the West Indies, they were standing there with me, telling me 'we know about your talent, we know what you can do for the team. We trust in you. Don't ever think that we are doubting you'," Ishan said at the press conference after India's victory in the first T20I against Sri Lanka. "When a youngster hears such words, he gets a lot of confidence. These small things while you're batting at the nets, they guide you. They have told me it's not always about hitting hard. We learn all these things whether we score runs or not," he added. Also Read: Ishan Kishan surpasses MS Dhoni, Rishabh Pant to create new record for Team India in T20Is Despite facing stiff competition for a spot in the squad, Kishan has managed to get a long rope owing to his talent and skills. He is likely to continue opening the batting for India in the remaining two T20Is against Sri Lanka. If he manages to continue his good form, Kishan can cement his spot in the T20 side in the run-up to the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia this year.

They were standing there for me: Ishan Kishan credits Rohit, Dravid for backing him despite poor form

Ishan Kishan slammed a brilliant knock of 89 runs as India thrashed Sri Laka by 62 runs in the first T20I of the ongoing three-match series in Lucknow on Friday. The wicket-keeper batter was under significant pressure to bounce back after his poor run in the recently-concluded T20I series against West Indies. However, Kishan silenced his critics in style with a&nbsp;stunning knock.

After Sri Lanka won the toss and invited India to bat first in the series-opener, Kishan and skipper Rohit Sharma got the hosts off to a flyer. The duo went all out against the Sri Lankan bowlers to post a 111-run opening stand. While skipper Rohit continued his good form and scored 44 off 32 balls, Kishan went berserk and slammed 89 off 56 deliveries.

Kishan's swashbuckling knock was laced with ten fours and three sixes as he took the Sri Lankan bowlers to the cleaners. The young wicket-keeper batter missed out on scoring his maiden T20I hundred by just 11 runs but ended up creating a new record for the Men in Blue in T20Is.

With the help of his brilliant knock, Kishan surpassed MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant to create the record for the highest individual score by an Indian wicket-keeper batter in T20Is. Pant held the record previously with the highest score of 65 runs in T20Is. While both Kishan and Rahul have played a number of matches as specialist batters in the Indian team, the list consists of their highest scores from matches where they also kept wickets for the team.

Highest individual scores by an Indian wicket-keeper in T20Is

Ishan Kishan- 89

Rishabh Pant- 65

KL Rahul- 57

MS Dhoni- 56

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With the help of Kishan's 89, and Shreyas Iyer's quickfire 28-ball 57, India managed to put on a strong total of 199 runs on the board in the first T20I against Sri Lanka on Thursday. In reply, Sri Lanka were restrrcited on 137/6 in 20 overs after a superb bowling effort from the hosts.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar continued his fine form with the ball as he picked up two wickets while conceding only 9 runs in two over, all-rounder Venkateh Iyer also contributed well and picked up a couple of wickets despite conceding 36 runs in his 3 overs.

&nbsp;

Ishan Kishan slammed a brilliant knock of 89 runs as India thrashed Sri Laka by 62 runs in the first T20I of the ongoing three-match series in Lucknow on Friday.

Ishan Kishan slammed a brilliant knock of 89 runs as India thrashed Sri Laka by 62 runs in the first T20I of the ongoing three-match series in Lucknow on Friday. The wicket-keeper batter was under significant pressure to bounce back after his poor run in the recently-concluded T20I series against West Indies. However, Kishan silenced his critics in style with a stunning knock. After Sri Lanka won the toss and invited India to bat first in the series-opener, Kishan and skipper Rohit Sharma got the hosts off to a flyer. The duo went all out against the Sri Lankan bowlers to post a 111-run opening stand. While skipper Rohit continued his good form and scored 44 off 32 balls, Kishan went berserk and slammed 89 off 56 deliveries. Kishan's swashbuckling knock was laced with ten fours and three sixes as he took the Sri Lankan bowlers to the cleaners. The young wicket-keeper batter missed out on scoring his maiden T20I hundred by just 11 runs but ended up creating a new record for the Men in Blue in T20Is. With the help of his brilliant knock, Kishan surpassed MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant to create the record for the highest individual score by an Indian wicket-keeper batter in T20Is. Pant held the record previously with the highest score of 65 runs in T20Is. While both Kishan and Rahul have played a number of matches as specialist batters in the Indian team, the list consists of their highest scores from matches where they also kept wickets for the team. Highest individual scores by an Indian wicket-keeper in T20Is Ishan Kishan- 89 Rishabh Pant- 65 KL Rahul- 57 MS Dhoni- 56 Also Read: Wriddhiman Saha likely to be questioned by BCCI over breach of central contract clause: Report With the help of Kishan's 89, and Shreyas Iyer's quickfire 28-ball 57, India managed to put on a strong total of 199 runs on the board in the first T20I against Sri Lanka on Thursday. In reply, Sri Lanka were restrrcited on 137/6 in 20 overs after a superb bowling effort from the hosts. Bhuvneshwar Kumar continued his fine form with the ball as he picked up two wickets while conceding only 9 runs in two over, all-rounder Venkateh Iyer also contributed well and picked up a couple of wickets despite conceding 36 runs in his 3 overs.

Ishan Kishan surpasses MS Dhoni, Rishabh Pant to create new record for Team India in T20Is

India thrashed Sri Lanka by 62 runs in the first of the three-match T20I series on Thursday evening (February 24) to go 1-0 up in the series. With this win, India also attained their biggest winning streak in the shortest format (10).&nbsp;

Post India's back-to-back defeats in the opening two games of the 2021 T20 World Cup, in the UAE, the Men in Blue have been on a roll with their unbeaten streak now stretching to ten games. By virtue of this, India became the second-Test playing nation to attain 10 successive wins (fourth overall).&nbsp;

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Talking about the series opener, played in Lucknow, Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl first. The decision backfired as Ishan Kishan-Rohit's century-stand took India off to a flier. While Rohit fell for 32-ball 44, he became the leading run-getter in the shortest format.&nbsp;

After Rohit's fall, Ishan's 56-ball 89 (at a strike-rate of 158.93) and Shreyas Iyer's 28-ball 57 not out (filled with 5 fours, 2 sixes) propelled the home side to a daunting 199-2. This effort came in the absence of Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant.&nbsp;

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In reply, Sri Lanka lost Pathum Nissanka on the very first ball of the steep run-chase. Bhuvneshwar Kumar also removed Kamil Mishara for cheap whereas Dinesh Chandimal, Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne fell after getting a start each. Rohit once again rotated his bowlers with ease as Bhuvi, Venkestesh Iyer chipped in with two wickets each whereas Yuzi Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja maintained the pressure with one wicket apiece. Chahal also became the leading wicket-taker for the Men in Blue after dismissing Shanaka.&nbsp;

Eventually, SL were restricted for 137 for 6 in their full quota of overs (courtesy of Charith Asalanka's gritty 53*) as they were never in the run-chase and struggled to stitch partnerships.&nbsp;

The second and penultimate T20I will be held in Dharamshala on Saturday (February 26).

India thrashed Sri Lanka by 62 runs in the first of the three-match T20I series on Thursday evening (February 24) to go 1-0 up in the series. With this win, India also attained their biggest winning streak in the shortest format (10).

India thrashed Sri Lanka by 62 runs in the first of the three-match T20I series on Thursday evening (February 24) to go 1-0 up in the series. With this win, India also attained their biggest winning streak in the shortest format (10). Post India's back-to-back defeats in the opening two games of the 2021 T20 World Cup, in the UAE, the Men in Blue have been on a roll with their unbeaten streak now stretching to ten games. By virtue of this, India became the second-Test playing nation to attain 10 successive wins (fourth overall). ALSO READ | IPL 2022 to kick off from March 26, league stage to be played in Mumbai, Pune Talking about the series opener, played in Lucknow, Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl first. The decision backfired as Ishan Kishan-Rohit's century-stand took India off to a flier. While Rohit fell for 32-ball 44, he became the leading run-getter in the shortest format. After Rohit's fall, Ishan's 56-ball 89 (at a strike-rate of 158.93) and Shreyas Iyer's 28-ball 57 not out (filled with 5 fours, 2 sixes) propelled the home side to a daunting 199-2. This effort came in the absence of Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. ALSO READ | Ind vs SL: Rohit Sharma moves past Martin Guptill, Virat Kohli to become highest run-getter in T20Is In reply, Sri Lanka lost Pathum Nissanka on the very first ball of the steep run-chase. Bhuvneshwar Kumar also removed Kamil Mishara for cheap whereas Dinesh Chandimal, Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne fell after getting a start each. Rohit once again rotated his bowlers with ease as Bhuvi, Venkestesh Iyer chipped in with two wickets each whereas Yuzi Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja maintained the pressure with one wicket apiece. Chahal also became the leading wicket-taker for the Men in Blue after dismissing Shanaka. Eventually, SL were restricted for 137 for 6 in their full quota of overs (courtesy of Charith Asalanka's gritty 53*) as they were never in the run-chase and struggled to stitch partnerships. The second and penultimate T20I will be held in Dharamshala on Saturday (February 26).

Rohit Sharma & Co. thrash Sri Lanka in 1st T20I as India attain longest unbeaten streak in shortest format

Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant are not only two swashbuckling batters for Team India but the duo also are capable wicketkeepers. Kishan and Pant go a long way back. The former was Pant's captain in the 2016 U-19 World Cup, in Bangladesh.

The two cricketers were part of India's top-order in the U-19 showpiece event. While Pant now bats down the order for the national side, switching roles from a middle-order batter to a finisher, Ishan remains a top-order batter -- for India and his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians (MI). As both players have similar skillsets, people often brand them as rivals. However, Kishan played down all such claims and feels there is no thought of competition between the two.

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Speaking to the&nbsp;Times of India, Kishan said,&nbsp;"Oh yes, he’s [Rishabh Pant] a very good friend. Whenever both of us are around, you’ll find us hanging out a lot with each other. We just keep watching movies whenever we find the time. We also talk a lot about cricket with each other about the game, what could’ve been done differently. I speak my mind with him, and he does the same. Never once has it crossed my mind that I want his place and I can assure you, that’s been the case with him too. And most importantly, when we are in the middle of our cricket routines, we don’t even think we’re competing with each other."

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Both Kishan and Pant were part of India's three-match T20I series versus West Indies at home. While Pant was given a bio-bubble break ahead of the third and final encounter, Kishan featured in all three games as an opener. He will now gear up for India's three T20Is versus Sri Lanka whereas Pant will skip the white-ball series versus the Islanders and is expected to return for the two-match Test series, starting on March 04.

Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant are not only two swashbuckling batters for Team India but the duo also are capable wicketkeepers. Kishan and Pant go a long way back.

Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant are not only two swashbuckling batters for Team India but the duo also are capable wicketkeepers. Kishan and Pant go a long way back. The former was Pant's captain in the 2016 U-19 World Cup, in Bangladesh. The two cricketers were part of India's top-order in the U-19 showpiece event. While Pant now bats down the order for the national side, switching roles from a middle-order batter to a finisher, Ishan remains a top-order batter -- for India and his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians (MI). As both players have similar skillsets, people often brand them as rivals. However, Kishan played down all such claims and feels there is no thought of competition between the two. ALSO READ | 'My heart skipped a beat': Ishan Kishan on becoming IPL 2022 mega auction's most expensive signing Speaking to the Times of India, Kishan said, "Oh yes, he’s [Rishabh Pant] a very good friend. Whenever both of us are around, you’ll find us hanging out a lot with each other. We just keep watching movies whenever we find the time. We also talk a lot about cricket with each other about the game, what could’ve been done differently. I speak my mind with him, and he does the same. Never once has it crossed my mind that I want his place and I can assure you, that’s been the case with him too. And most importantly, when we are in the middle of our cricket routines, we don’t even think we’re competing with each other." ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE: Former player opines on Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli's form, names India women's X-factor for ODI World Cup × Both Kishan and Pant were part of India's three-match T20I series versus West Indies at home. While Pant was given a bio-bubble break ahead of the third and final encounter, Kishan featured in all three games as an opener. He will now gear up for India's three T20Is versus Sri Lanka whereas Pant will skip the white-ball series versus the Islanders and is expected to return for the two-match Test series, starting on March 04.

We don’t even think we’re competing with each other: Ishan Kishan plays down rivalry with Rishabh Pant

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