Ishan Kishan explains why he sets field for Hardik Pandya, reveals 'lot of meetings going on behind the scenes'

Under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, Mumbai Indians (MI) registered their first win of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Ishan Kishan played a crucial role in helping MI get off to a blazing start after they were put to bat first by Delhi Capitals (DC). After MI’s 29-run win at Wankhede Stadium, Kishan revealed why he sets the field for Pandya. 
 

"I'm feeling very good, lot of meetings going on, talking to the coaches, we knew we had to bowl well. As a keeper, it's important to get the field placings right. It's difficult for the captain, he can't look at the angles, that's where I can chip in as a wicketkeeper," Kishan told the broadcasters after MI ended their win drought. 
 

Kishan was happy with the way MI started in the powerplay overs. After Rohit Sharma departed for 49, Kishan scored 42 runs at a strike rate over 182. 
 

“I think we played according to our potential, this is the sort of cricket we are known to play for. It wasn't easy after the batting powerplay, the fielders go back and we decided that the batting powerplay was the right time to attack the bowlers,” the wicketkeeper-batter said.
 

The southpaw lauded Romario Shepherd who smashed Anrich Nortje for 32 runs in an over to help MI post 234/5 on the board. He remained unbeaten for 39 off 10 balls including three fours and four sixes. 
 

“He has been working hard (on Romario Shepherd), wasn't playing, but always gave 100% at the nets. We were looking towards that one over, we know he's very powerful and has the ability to clear boundaries,” he added. 

 

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Pandya won't chop and change

Skipper Pandya praised his teammates and said that there will not be much tinkering in the combination going ahead in the tournament. 
 

“It was a lot of hard work. We had to clear our minds and make sure that we believed. We will be making tactical changes here and there but this will be our 12 and settling our team now is important. There's a lot of love and care going around in the change room. Belief and backing each other is the attitude out there. Everyone believed we need just one win,” the all-rounder said in a post-match presentation. 
 

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