Here’s a bold statement: Ishan Kishan, once bitten by the pressure of targets, is now rewriting his approach to the game—and it’s paying off in spectacular fashion. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is abandoning all targets the key to success, or is Kishan simply overcorrecting after past setbacks? Let’s dive in.
After a stunning century that rescued Jharkhand against Tamil Nadu on the opening day of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy in Coimbatore, Kishan made it clear: ‘I need to be very smart.’ These words, spoken to The Indian Express, reflect a player who’s learned from his mistakes and is now laser-focused on the present. Gone are the days of chasing arbitrary goals; Kishan’s new mantra is simple—‘Just keep on batting.’
His unbeaten 125 off 183 deliveries wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was a masterclass in restraint and maturity. With Jharkhand reeling at 79 for 3, Kishan walked in at No. 5 and anchored the innings, shelving his natural aggression for a partnership that mattered. Alongside Sahil Raj, he stitched together an unbroken 150-run stand for the seventh wicket, propelling Jharkhand to a strong 307 for 6 by stumps. And this is the part most people miss: Kishan hit only two sixes in his innings, a stark contrast to his usual style, proving that experience has taught him when to hold back.
‘You make so many mistakes initially in your career, and then you realize the real meaning of experience,’ Kishan reflected. ‘You have to be in the middle and only then can you change the game.’ His decision to bat with caution, especially against Tamil Nadu’s left-arm spinner, showcased a player who’s learned to read the situation over personal glory. ‘Singles are more important than sixes sometimes,’ he admitted, a sentiment that might raise eyebrows among fans who’ve grown accustomed to his explosive batting.
Kishan’s journey to this point hasn’t been without hurdles. After a promising county stint with Nottinghamshire, where he scored 77 and 87 in two innings, he was on the verge of a Test recall for India’s squad against England. However, an e-bike accident in the UK sidelined him, and Tamil Nadu’s N Jagadeesan was picked instead. Fully recovered, Kishan returned to action in the Irani Cup earlier this month, setting the stage for his Ranji Trophy heroics.
Here’s the controversial question: Is Kishan’s target-free approach sustainable, or is it a temporary strategy born out of past failures? While it worked brilliantly in Coimbatore, will it hold up under different pressures? Kishan himself seems convinced: ‘If you are in the middle, you will get as many runs as you want. That’s the only goal for me.’
As he captains Jharkhand in this Ranji season, Kishan’s evolution from a big-hitter to a smart, situation-aware batsman is undeniable. But whether this approach will define his future success remains to be seen. What do you think? Is Kishan onto something, or is he missing the mark? Let’s debate in the comments!
