Ishan Kishan Credits Hardik Pandya for Mentorship After BCCI Contract Setback
Following a match-winning performance against Namibia in the ICC T20 World Cup clash in Delhi, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan opened up about the pivotal advice he received from all-rounder Hardik Pandya. This guidance came after Kishan lost his BCCI central contract in 2024, a significant setback in his career.
Match-Winning Knock and Emotional Bond
Kishan's explosive 24-ball 61, combined with Hardik's blazing 28-ball 52 and two wickets, powered India to a commanding 93-run victory over Namibia. After the game, the two players shared a light-hearted conversation, reflecting on their performances and the challenging period Kishan faced following the contract loss. The decision to revoke his contract was reportedly due to alleged lack of commitment to red-ball and domestic cricket.
Hardik Pandya's Own Struggles and Shared Journey
Interestingly, Hardik himself was navigating a turbulent phase in early 2024. After returning to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans, where he had led the side to an IPL title, he was appointed MI captain. This move triggered heavy backlash from fans loyal to former skipper Rohit Sharma, with loud boos and criticism greeting Hardik at various venues.
During this time, Hardik and Kishan spent considerable hours together, bonding and training extensively. Determined to respond with performances, Kishan focused on piling up runs in domestic cricket. He began with a century for India-C in the Duleep Trophy, followed by 38 in the Irani Cup. In the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, he struck a century for Jharkhand.
Domestic Cricket Dominance and IPL Success
Kishan's impressive form continued in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. In the latter, he scored 316 runs in seven matches at an average exceeding 45 and a strike rate over 128, including a hundred. He carried this momentum into the IPL, scoring 354 runs in his debut season with Sunrisers Hyderabad, featuring a century against Rajasthan Royals.
A stint with Nottinghamshire in County cricket saw him register two fifties. He then led Jharkhand to their maiden SMAT title, topping the charts with 517 runs in 10 innings, including two centuries and two fifties. A breathtaking 39-ball 125 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Karnataka further solidified his case for national selection.
International Comeback and Emotional Milestone
His return to India's T20I squad against New Zealand proved highly fruitful. Kishan emerged as the second-highest run-getter with 215 runs at an average of 53.75 and a strike rate over 231, including a century and a fifty. Notably, there was marked improvement in his off-side play and six-hitting ability.
When Kishan brought up his maiden T20I century against New Zealand in Kerala, Hardik was at the non-striker's end, sharing an emotional hug as Kishan reached this significant milestone.
Key Advice and Reflections
Reflecting on his time away from the national team, Kishan revealed that although he is "not the kind of person to stay quiet", Hardik advised him to let his bat do the talking. "I am usually not the kind of person who will keep quiet, but because I was in touch with him and he was like, 'It's up to you whether you want to talk to somebody about it or go negative about it. It is in your hand'. And that was playing cricket and scoring runs. And doing well in whichever tournaments I was playing in. Credit also goes to him (for helping him in his India comeback)," said Kishan.
Hardik, meanwhile, recalled Kishan's century against the Kiwis with immense pride, highlighting their shared journey. "The rhythm in which you smashed it, the way the ball left your bat, I was extremely happy. For the last two years, you have worked really hard behind the scenes, kept quiet. Even when the opportunity did not come, you were still smiling, keeping the spirit high and working hard," said Hardik.
He added, "Hard work is supposed to happen when no one is watching. And that is the actual benefit. No matter what happens in life, do not be a crybaby. Get up in the morning, work hard, put your head down and sleep. Again, repeat it. He has taken the torch, responded with the bat, and I am really proud of it."
This story underscores the power of mentorship and resilience in professional sports, as Kishan's comeback journey, fueled by Hardik's support, serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers.
