Ishan Kishan has struggled in the IPL 2022, managing only 199 runs at an average of 28 and strike rate of 108. Former Mumbai Indians leg-spinner Piyush Chawla expresses concern saying he has never seen the left hand batter like this.
Kishan was Mumbai Indians’ most expensive signing in the 2022 mega auction. He started the season well with 81* and 54 in the first two games but then has seen an extreme dip in form. Kishan’s last five innings read 14, 26, 3, 13, 0 and 8.
In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Chawla said that the left hander has gone into a shell and wasting a lot of balls is something he hasn’t seen before.
“Opening is his best slot because he plays his best cricket there. Although he made a good start in the first two matches, he has gone into a shell after that. I have never seen him like this. Either he gets out or scores runs. But here he’s playing a lot of balls and not scoring runs either,”
he stated.
Chawla argued that Kishan’s form and approach directly puts the entire batting unit under pressure. His opening partner Rohit Sharma, whose game is to bat long, has had to take risks early.
Talking about what the 23-year-old can do get out of this rut, Chawla said he needs to go out there and express himself. Something Kishan was picked to do.
“I’ll want him to play the way for which he has been selected in the team. He’s anyway getting out, so he should, at least, go out there and express himself and play freely like he’s known to do,”
he added.
The five-time former champions MI have had a disastrous campaign in the IPL 2022, losing all eight matches. Kishan and Rohit’s form at the top of the order and a mediocre bowling attack have been the major reasons behind their woes. Having practically been knocked out of the playoffs race, MI would want Kishan to play fearless cricket.
Also read 👉 Five reasons why Mumbai Indians are failing in IPL 2022
