India kicked off World Cup preparations with a hard-fought 30-run win against South Africa at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium. Ishan Kishan set the tone, blasting 53 runs in 20 balls—dominated by seven sixes—as opener before retiring. He boldly affirmed his willingness to bat in any slot for the big tournament.
‘I came into this match super excited,’ the wicketkeeper-batter said. ‘Enjoyed number three, but with World Cup nearing, position doesn’t matter—team first, always delivering my best.’ His innings was a masterclass in aggression on a batting paradise.
Kishan broke down his technique: ‘Stay present, track the ball, play what’s needed without overanalyzing—just react. Form fluctuates, but credit to the pitch; it behaved beautifully both innings. Backed the bounce, hit through fielders. In World Cup scenarios, self-belief trumps restrictions.’
Tilak Varma’s 45 off 19 balls (three sixes, three fours) plus an over of bowling drew praise: ‘Vital cog now. Bowls usefully vs left-handers, elite fielder, perfect number three—rotates, accelerates seamlessly.’
Defending 240 proved tense yet successful. ‘Room for growth,’ Kishan reflected. ‘We’ll analyze bowler placements and plans, but this wicket tested us—we restricted sixes effectively, solid effort. More refinements coming.’ India’s warm-up triumph underscores rising confidence.