Former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth showered praise on the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel for bringing in Ishan Kishan after India won the T20 World Cup. Kishan scored a crucial knock of 54 runs off just 24 balls in the final against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Overall, Kishan scored 317 runs in nine matches of the tournament at an average of 35.22 and a blistering strike rate of 193.29. Meanwhile, Kishan scored 517 runs in 10 matches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and led Jharkhand to the tournament’s glory. Thus, he was added to the T20I World Cup squad by the selectors.
“Agarkar and team selection committee, well done guys. They picked a superb team. Two years back, no one knew where Ishan Kishan was. But he performed in domestic and came in and was the actual game changer. Apart from Abhishek and Sanju giving a rollicking start, his 54 ensured that they kept the momentum and New Zealand were out of the game. His knock was very crucial, it took the match away,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.
Srikkanth praised head coach Gautam Gambhir for giving his players role clarity in the T20 World Cup.
“Dube said his job was only six hits, which is fantastic. He came in and did his job and went. It was fantastic how the role play was clear. That way, Gautam Gambhir did a brilliant job. Well done, Gautam for encouraging Abhishek, Samson, and Dube to play their roles. Hats off to Gambhir.”
The 1983 World Cup-winning player praised Suryakumar Yadav for leading the team with guile, calmness, and aplomb.
“At the right time, his captaincy moves were fantastic. Against England as well he was keeping cool and was not flattered. Guys like Abhishek and Varun, who were going through a tough time, the captain backed them. With the captain and coach’s backing, a player gains confidence. Abhishek proved it. Even Varun got a crucial wicket,” he said.
Srikkanth praised India’s batting prowess after the World Cup success.
He concluded, “We are at a different level in T20 cricket. I have not seen such batting power. Everybody is a big six hitter from one to seven.”
Indian players will be next seen in action in the IPL.
