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Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan was the latest player to answer the media’s questions, this time ahead of our blockbuster clash against the Chennai Super Kings.

The young opener spoke about his mixed run of form this season, the advice he has got from senior players and how he helps out skipper Rohit Sharma on the field among other things.

On being asked how he dealt with some low scores after twin fifties in the opening two matches, the Pocket Dynamo felt that it was important to follow routines he had been practising for a long time.

“Ups and downs are part of the game. It’s important to keep the process right in the matches, that’s what matters. We focus on our game and how we can improve,” stated Ishan.

Some chats with captain Ro, who also opens the batting with Ishan, and head coach Mahela Jayawardene also provided some clarity.

“I was focused on giving a good start and when I tried to finish the game, I lost my way a bit. I chatted with the coach and the captain, they told me to not think about finishing the game. I just want to be the set batter who can bat till the end. Everyone has a role in the team and when I am set, I want to make it big,” he revealed.

 As it turns out, Ishan and Rohit are not just opening partners, they are also the players who lift the dressing room when it feels low.

“Rohit bhai motivates himself and the team at the same time. He makes sure he keeps everyone on the same page and how we can perform best in the remaining games. I make sure that no one is feeling low. We help each other in this team, everyone thinks about everyone else. I am a jolly person by nature so I try to lift everyone else as well,” said Ishan.

And he also revealed that another youngster plays a similar role.

“Tilak is like me. He likes to interact with everyone, shares a laugh with the team. He takes his game seriously and works hard, he has kept his levels up in just his first season. That’s the best thing about him,” added Ishan.

One other discussion that has often taken place this season was Ishan’s price-tag but the wicketkeeper-batter said that he had not given it much thought.

“The price-tag stays with you only for a few days. I have been playing at the top-level for a while so I only think about how best I can help the team. The senior players like Rohit bhai tell me to not give that much thought, they tell me it’s better to stay in my zone. Talking to them helped me to keep that aside,” he said.

Ishan has also enjoyed his role of a wicket-keeper this season, as he has donned the gloves for MI on a consistent basis after a few years.

“I got to keep wickets after a long time, I feel great. I am able to help with the field settings because a wicket-keeper can read the batter best. The captain thinks about a lot of things so a wicket-keeper can make it easier for him,” he concluded.

The very honest answers from Ishan shows that the squad is aware of the things they have to address and it will be exciting to see how they execute that on the field against CSK.