Ishan Kishan was recently picked in the national squad for the T20I series against England. His happiness knew no bounds after getting his maiden India call-up.

The pocket dynamo, as he's often referred to, scored 516 runs during the IPL 2020 in UAE. He ended up as MI's highest run-scorer in the tournament.

Kishan followed it up with a scintillating Vijay Hazare Trophy where he smashed 173 (94) in the very first match. He was also captaining Jharkhand in the tournament before joining Team India.

In an interview with Wisden, Ishan shared his thoughts on how Mumbai Indians played an integral role in his game, his batting mindset, and where he intends to bat.

Getting call up to the Indian team was a special feeling

“I’m grateful to the selectors for showing faith in me. It’s any cricketer’s dream to play for the country and an Indian team call up was a special feeling for me that cannot be put to words."

Mumbai Indians is the bedrock of my cricket

“Look, I don’t think there was any particular change for IPL 2020. I just try to give it my best and put in the work. In the IPL it’s important to make the most of an opportunity whenever you get one. It’s the hunger and dedication to doing well that helps you get across the line.”

“It’s amazing to have mentors like Rohit bhai and so many others in the dressing room, you get to learn so much and adapt your game accordingly. The Mumbai Indians stint is the bedrock of my cricket. The mentorship I received from the coaches and Rohit and Zaheer bhai helped me."

Watching Hardik, Krunal, and Pollard and talking to them gave me confidence

“It’s very important to be mentally strong, and to that extent, you mature as a player each year. The support of mentors and senior cricketers helps in that regard. I think each IPL has been a learning experience for me. I was fortunate to get the opportunity to express myself and that helped me get the confidence moving forward.”

“A few interactions that helped my game so much have been with Hardik, Krunal, and Pollard. I have seen how they plan a game, map their innings, confuse opposition by switching between big-hitting and strike rotation. I am a confident person. Watching them and talking to them has played an integral role in giving me that confidence which has helped my game a lot. I am fortunate to have that kind of exposure.”

As often as I can, I look to clear the fence

“How I play depends on the situation of the game and team composition. Sometimes you’re required to accelerate in fifth gear from ball one, if it’s a flat track or if you’re chasing a big score. You’re expected to get your eye in and take your team across if it’s a low total, so it depends on the situation. As a player, it’s also important to know your role and play according to that for the success of the team. But as often as I can, I look to clear the fence."

I don't mind playing anywhere in the batting order

“It’s always difficult to make it to the team, but that’s how it’s always been. I don’t mind playing anywhere, having switched between playing in the middle and top order in my career so far. I feel more confident to play under pressure and I think the various domestic formats, India A games help you do well in that situation.”