A dominant yet close 30-run victory for India over South Africa in the DY Patil warm-up lit up Navi Mumbai. Ishan Kishan’s stormy 53 off 20 deliveries—featuring seven sixes and two fours from the top—proved decisive before he retired out. The star asserted he’s game for any batting position as World Cup fever builds.
Post-game, Kishan enthused, ‘Thrilled for this fixture. Number three was fun amid conditions, but tournament demands versatility—I’ll slot in anywhere, focused on team contribution.’ His blitz highlighted instinctive power-hitting.
On approach, he shared: ‘Moment-to-moment focus, ball-watching, situational shots—no dwelling, pure reaction. Some days click, others challenge. Pitch was batsman’s dream, consistent bounce aiding second innings too. Trusted surface, attacked despite fields. World Cup ethos: hit if hittable, believe in self.’
Tilak Varma fired 45 in 19 balls (three each of sixes, fours) and bowled. Kishan gushed, ‘He’s indispensable. Adds bowling bite against lefties, superb fieldsman, number three archetype—strike-turning, momentum-builder extraordinaire.’
India’s 240 defense held firm. ‘Always scope to elevate,’ he noted. ‘Bowling reviews incoming on lines and tactics, but we shone—minimal sixes, robust performance. Team huddles will polish us.’ This result boosts India’s World Cup momentum.