Team India’s young wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan asserted that England’s “Bazball” style of batting can only be utilised on flat grounds and is not required in every Test match. The wicketkeeper supports playing Test cricket in accordance with the circumstances of the game and adds that “Bazball” shouldn’t become the standard method for playing every five-day match. In order to score rapidly and create an intimidating mark for the hosts, Kishan made his Test debut against West Indies and struck a half-century in the second innings of the second test which ultimately ended up in a draw.

When India scored at 7.54 runs per over on day 4 of the second Test (they declared at 181/2 in 24 overs), it attracted attention of many and Ishan was also questioned during the post-match press conference if India would play Test matches in the future similarly to England, whose aggressive style of playing has been dubbed “Bazball”.

“It’s not necessary that everyday you come in and start playing fast cricket. That should depend on the situation. The condition of the pitches also plays a role in how quickly one can score runs,” said Kishan, he was promoted top in the batting order to score quick runs.

On Sunday’s fifth and final day, rain intervened to prevent India from sweeping the two-match series. Kishan’s 52 ball century helped India set a 365-run winning goal for the West Indies.

“Mostly, where we play, wickets are not that easy…there is turn and bounce. So, playing quick on those surface there is no point because you need to read the wicket properly.”

“If you get a wicket where you can score quick runs and the need of the hour is to do that, then every player in the (Indian) team has the capability to perform that role.”

“The kind of players we have and the number of formats and matches that we play, everyone knows his role — which match one has to play in what manner. So, personally, I feel, every match we don’t need to play like that (score quickly), but it should be situation-based.”

Kishan also mentioned Rishabh Pant, the player he replaced in the Indian Team for the Test Match against West Indies, gave him some useful tips during his stay at National Cricket Academy. Pant is currently rehabilitating at NCA after suffering a terrible car accident.

“He knows me from U-19 days… how I play, how I think, so we keep interacting. What I think he needs to do to improve I tell him and the same is the case with him. He also tries to help me and ensure I give it my best shot on a tour. And I am very thankful that he he gave me some good points at the NCA.” “Obviously, he has done very well in Tests, and the number at which we bat…Rishabh bats, it is very important for us to understand the situation. If four wickets fall quickly and a partnership is required then we cannot play that fast-scoring game.”

“Overall, we need to keep the match in mind… what we need to do at that point in time because it is a five-day game and last day is very important. And, planning and execution is the most important aspect in Test cricket.”

Kishan further said Skipper Rohit Sharma’s experience is very helpful in grooming young players and he provides them with confidence and the “comfort zone”

“He is a very experienced captain. He gives his best, how to keep players in comfort zone, don’t let pressure get the better of players.

“In fact, when I came out to bat (in the second innings at Port of Spain), he said ‘play your game, plan your innings and don’t think who has said what’.

“For a youngster, that is a huge plus point that the captain has faith in you, that I can handle the situation.”