Kishan credits Rohit for backing him after ballistic show against KKR

Young Ishan Kishan, whose batting pyrotechnics played a part in Mumbai Indians massive win last night, has credited skipper Rohit Sharma for backing him despite his repeated failures.

After some below-par outings, Kishan's day of reckoning finally came last night with the 19-year-old smashing a brilliant 62 off just 21 balls to help Mumbai Indians' cause.

"Rohit bhaiya told me to just back yourself and attack. When your skipper and teammates are backing you, it's just about playing your natural game," Ishan said after MI thrashed Kolkata Knight Riders by 102 runs last night.

Picked up by MI for Rs 6.20 crore after an intense bidding with Royal Challengers Bangalore, the Jharkhand wicketkeeper batsman struggled initially with three ducks, forcing his team management to drop him down in the batting order from no. 3 to 4.

But Kishan finally showed his mettle last night when, sent in, MI looked in a disarray on 62 for 2 after nine overs. The diminuitive left-hander then came in and tore apart the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Piyush Chawla and Sunil Narine to help the defending champions post an imposing 210 for 6.

"The coach also said in the time out that just be yourself, back yourself. We need some good hits today. Rohit bhaiya also said the same. 'You can hit well just look at the ball and get with the flow.'
"It was like just watching the ball and if you get them in your arc hit them or just take a single with Rohit bhaiya batting at the other end. I knew if I missed something, he will make it up for it."