Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has said that he had recognised Ishan Kishan’s talent long before he shot into prominence, adding that he spotted some ‘special talent’ in the youngster during an exhibition
match in Mumbai, where Ishan hit him for quite a few shots.
Ishan spearheaded Jharkhand to a historic Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title, smashing a commanding century in the final that highlighted both his leadership and rich form, earning him a recall to India’s T20I team for the World Cup.
Riding that momentum into the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Ishan unleashed a scintillating 125 off just 39 deliveries, reaching his hundred in a mere 33 balls. Yet, despite his breathtaking onslaught, Jharkhand fell short, finishing on 412/9 in a thrilling but ultimately losing effort.
“He (Ishan) is small in stature, but he hits such big shots. I had already recognised his talent earlier. I had come to play a match with him once. I remember it clearly; it was an exhibition match in Mumbai,” Harbhajan said while speaking on his YouTube channel.
“I was bowling. I bowled one ball a little slower and he played it slightly late towards the covers. The next ball, he went down on one knee and hit it for a four there. Then I said to myself, okay, now I would not bowl slow to him, I will bowl fast,” Harbhajan said.
“I bowled a fast delivery. The ball was a bit wet. But the moment the ball left my hand, he went down and played a reverse sweep. I remember that very clearly,” Harbhajan added.
Continuing his praise, the former Indian cricketer emphasised the rarity of Ishan’s talent, drawing a striking comparison with Kevin Pietersen. He noted that even the latter had not faced such audacious strokes, calling Ishan a special talent and expressing his delight at seeing the powerful, mature youngster return to the Indian setup.
