Indian Premier League’s defending champion Mumbai Indians batsman Ishan Kishan, after making his T20I debut for the Indian cricket team on Sunday, said that IPL had given him a lot of confidence to play fearlessly against the pacers of England.

Kishan scored an intense 56 off 32 balls, helping India beat England in the second T20I on Sunday.

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In the post-match conference, the batsman said, “It obviously helped (to face the likes of Mumbai Indians teammates Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah) in the nets. They are very pacy bowlers and to hit shots against them gives confidence.”

He said that IPL has world-class bowlers playing in the tournament from across the world, and one starts getting used to these bowlers, and that is what helped him. Kishan also added that the management was very supportive and let him play his natural game without feeling the pressure.

Before the match was about to begin, the player was asked to go freely and play the way he plays in IPL. The player said that he was nervous because it was his debut match. “But when you wear the jersey of your country that pressure simply goes away and you try to give your best,” he added. 

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The debutant was inspired by Virat Kohli’s game during their 94-run partnership and hopes to learn more from the India skipper during the five-match series. Kohli who made 73 not out off 49 balls took charge after the young batsman’s dismissal to give India a victory with 13 balls left.

Kishan added, “It was proud feeling for me because I had just seen him (Kohli) on TV, his attitude on the ground, but to see it from the other end is totally different. I think it is something which I can change in myself, his energy, his appearance on the ground , there is a lot to learn from him.”