Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Ishan’s last international game here came in January 2023, when India lost a T20I to New Zealand. In the four T20Is played here, the 200-run mark has never been breached, with India’s 196/6 against Sri Lanka in 2016 remaining the highest score. New Zealand have also successfully defended 176 at the venue. With temperatures expected to hover between 22°C and 24°C during match time, India could have to balance their attack carefully, particularly if they end up bowling second.
He subsequently lost his place in the India set-up, was dropped from the BCCI central contract list and then embarked on a comeback that has eventually seen him become an integral part of the national side.
Though Kotak said “the pitch looked a good batting track” on the eve of the match, the venue has not traditionally been a high-scoring T20 ground. Rain and cool, cloudy conditions could add another variable, while dew may become important later in the evening. That brings another selection question. Mayank Yadav was expensive in the opening game, leaving India to consider whether to persist with the express quick or bring fit-again Prince Yadav into the attack. They also have considerable spin depth, with Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi and debutant Naman Dhir among the options.
Much has changed since then.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said the change of venue would not alter the team’s philosophy. “The way we are approaching the game, with a fearless approach and putting the team first, that’s the same way we will go,” Kotak said ahead of the game here on Thursday. Yet, Ranchi could demand a little more adaptability than the opening game did.
Ranchi: Nearly four years after his last international appearance at the JSCA International Cricket Stadium, Ishan Kishan returns to familiar territory on Friday when India take on the West Indies in the second T20I, carrying the form and confidence of a player who has fought his way back into the Indian team.