In a display of raw emotion and explosive batting, Ishan Kishan single-handedly powered Jharkhand to their historic first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. The 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batter smashed a breathtaking 101 runs off just 49 balls in the final against Haryana, sending a powerful message to the national selectors about his readiness for an international return.
A 'Baahubali' Mindset: King in Every Arena
After the monumental victory, an elated Kishan drew inspiration from Indian cinema to describe his philosophy. He referenced the blockbuster film 'Baahubali', quoting the dialogue: "Raja kahin bhi chala jaaye, raja hamesha raja hi hota hai" (No matter where the king goes, he always remains a king).
"Wherever you play, the importance remains the same," Kishan told TOI. "Whether it's international cricket or domestic cricket, every match matters. You want to win tournaments, win matches, and even when you lose, you must hold your nerve and keep believing in yourself." This mindset, he revealed, has been crucial during his time away from the Indian team.
Moving Past Frustration: The Road to Self-Belief
Kishan has not played for India since 2023, having been dropped from all three formats. He admitted that the omission was painful, especially when he felt he was performing well. However, he emphasized that he has consciously moved past the phase of frustration.
"Instead of complaining, I told myself I need to do more: make my team win, perform consistently and contribute as a unit," he stated. The left-hander dedicated significant time to refining his batting, analyzing errors, and correcting them methodically.
He believes that frustration is counterproductive. "What matters is hard work, self-belief and keeping things simple. Focus on what's important for your game. If you keep doing the right things consistently, results will follow," Kishan advised.
Focus on the Process, Not Selection
While his whirlwind century is a strong statement, Kishan claims he is no longer obsessing over national selection. "I'm out of that zone right now. I'm not expecting anything. I'm only focused on doing my job. My job is to keep performing and I'll do that," said the cricketer, who has played 2 Tests, 27 ODIs, and 32 T20Is for India.
He acknowledged the initial hurt of seeing his name missing from squad lists but credited his family for being his pillar of strength. "They never put pressure on me. They always believed I would make a comeback, even when I doubted myself at times. That support gave me confidence," he shared.
With this career-defining knock and a trophy to show for it, Ishan Kishan has reignited his cricketing narrative. His focus is firmly on performance, letting his bat do the talking as he patiently waits for another call from the Indian team.
