The aggressive brand of cricket displayed by England in Test matches has garnered attention worldwide, with teams across the globe contemplating whether to adopt the approach termed ‘Bazball.’ While some cricketers still vouch for the traditional wait-and-watch method, India’s rising star, Ishan Kishan, believes that playing aggressively should only be employed when the match situation demands it.
During the second Test against West Indies, India’s opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal set the stage on fire with a rapid-fire 98-run partnership in just 71 deliveries. The intention behind their attacking display was to score as many runs as possible in a short time, allowing the bowlers ample time to dismiss the West Indies side given the threat of rain and limited remaining time in the contest.
The Test ultimately ended in a draw due to the complete washout of Day 5, attributed to persistent rain. Ishan Kishan showcased his aggressive prowess, notching up an unbeaten 52 off 34 balls, contributing to India’s declaration at 181/2 in 24 overs – his maiden half-century in the format since making his debut in the series opener.
Addressing the media after the conclusion of the 2nd Test, Ishan emphasized that each player in the Indian team knows their role. While aggression has its place, it is not a strategy that needs to be implemented every day. Ishan highlighted the unique challenges posed by pitches in India, which are often spin-friendly, putting batters to the test.
“It depends on the situation. The way England has been playing, you have to look at the pitches too. Most of the pitches we play on aren’t easy – there’s turn and bounce. So, I don’t see any point playing that way every day; you have to read the situation,” Ishan said.
Drawing attention to the versatility of the Indian team, Ishan acknowledged that if the pitch conditions permit and the match demands a quick scoring rate, they have players capable of playing the aggressive role. However, he stressed the importance of adapting to the situation and understanding when to switch gears.
India’s cricketing landscape offers a plethora of challenges, and the team’s ability to adapt to various match scenarios makes them a formidable opponent. With Ishan Kishan’s assertive yet pragmatic approach, India has shown that they possess the skills to excel in different playing styles.
As cricket fans worldwide ponder the merits of ‘Bazball’ and traditional approaches, it is evident that India’s versatility on the field makes them a captivating team to watch. As the Test series progresses and future matches unfold, fans can expect to witness thrilling performances that showcase the team’s adaptability and determination.
