Ishan Kishan thanks Virat Kohli, pulls off Rishabh Pant-esque SIX to bring up maiden Test 50

Kishan also used a bat on which it is written "RP17," which is reminiscent of Pant's iconic bat.

Ishan Kishan

On Day 4 of the second Test match against West Indies in Trinidad, wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan, who came to bat at No. 4 in place of Virat Kohli, impressed everyone with his maiden Test half-century. During his innings, he displayed a remarkable resemblance to the incumbent keeper Rishabh Pant. What caught everyone's attention was Kishan using a bat on which it is written "RP17," which is reminiscent of Pant's iconic bat.

Ishan Kishan, filling in for the injured Pant, made his Test debut in the opening match of the series against West Indies on July 12. However, in his unbeaten stay in India's only batting innings in the first Test, Kishan faced just 20 balls and scored a solitary run. He also had a modest first-innings score of 25 off 37 deliveries in the ongoing Test.

However, in the second innings, Kishan displayed his aggressive batting style, contributing quick runs before Team India declared their innings late on Day 4. His impressive fifty came off a full delivery outside off-stump by Kemar Roach, which he dispatched for a six over long-on while losing the grip of his bottom hand. Notably, the way he hit the six closely resembled Pant's trademark style of hitting maximums.

In a recent interview, Ishan Kishan shed light on India's decision to send him to bat at No. 4 in the batting order, a position usually occupied by the captain Virat Kohli. The young batsman disclosed that it was Kohli himself who showed faith in him and encouraged him to play his natural game in that crucial position. Despite Kohli's outstanding century in the first innings, the team management trusted Kishan's abilities and gave him the opportunity to showcase his skills at No. 4.

"It was really special (the half-century). I knew what the team needed from me. Everyone backed me. Virat backed me and told me 'Go and play your game'. Let us hope we will finish the game tomorrow. It was Virat bhai who took the initiative and told me that I should go in. There was a slow left-armer who was bowling. It was a good call for the team. Sometimes you need to take these calls," said Kishan after the day's play.

"We had the plan that we will play 10-12 overs after the rain break and score 70-80 runs. We wanted a 370-380 target," he added.

After setting a formidable target of 365 runs for West Indies to chase, the visitors' bowlers put up a determined performance on Day 4, managing to dismiss two West Indian batsmen. R Ashwin played a crucial role in picking up both wickets. However, the hosts are still facing a challenging task ahead as they are 289 runs away from an improbable victory. The final day of the match promises to be an intriguing battle as the West Indies attempt to chase down the target set by India.

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