Pujara Backs Ishan Kishan Amid Questions Over His Scores

Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has come out in support of Ishan Kishan amid questions about the wicketkeeper-batter’s inability to convert promising starts into bigger scores in the ongoing T20I series against the West Indies.

Pujara believes Kishan is fulfilling his role at No. 3 by taking advantage of the powerplay and helping India maintain an aggressive approach. According to the former India international, the team’s requirements matter more than individual milestones, especially in a batting lineup packed with attacking players.

Kishan has made quick contributions in each of the first three T20Is, scoring 37 off 27 balls in the opening match, 43 off 22 balls in the second and 37 off 18 balls in the third. While these innings have not resulted in a half-century, they have helped India keep the scoring rate high.

Pujara Explains Why Kishan’s Role Matters  

Speaking on JioStar, Pujara explained that Kishan’s responsibility at No. 3 is to make the most of the powerplay and provide momentum rather than focus on scoring a big individual total every time he bats.

“If we talk about Ishan Kishan, coming at No. 3, he is doing what the Indian team needs. You cannot see a big score every time because you have explosive players in the top order,” Pujara said.

He added that Kishan’s quick scoring allows the batters coming in later to build on a strong start, particularly when India still have wickets in hand.

Pujara acknowledged that fans may want Kishan to convert these starts into bigger scores, but stressed that his current contributions are serving the team’s purpose.

“Maybe for his personal milestone, you might want him to score big runs, but he is doing the job for the team,” he added.

Ishan Kishan Making the Most of His Opportunity  

Kishan’s aggressive approach has been a notable feature of his batting during the series. His ability to score quickly at the top of the innings gives India flexibility and allows the middle order to continue attacking.

His 43 off 22 balls in the second T20I and 37 off just 18 deliveries in the third showed how quickly he can put pressure on the opposition bowling attack.

The challenge now will be to maintain that attacking intent while finding opportunities to play longer innings when match situations demand it. For India, however, Kishan’s early momentum remains valuable in a format where powerplay runs can shape the entire innings.

Pujara Also Praises Naman Dhir’s Bowling Intelligence  

Pujara also highlighted the bowling skills of all-rounder Naman Dhir, praising his control, variations and ability to adapt his plans according to the batter.

He pointed to Dhir’s approach against Kamil Pooran in the previous match, when the bowler conceded three sixes but stayed with his plan and eventually dismissed the batter.

According to Pujara, Dhir’s willingness to adjust his line and length, vary his pace and understand a batter’s approach makes him a useful bowling option in T20 cricket.

Such tactical awareness can be particularly important in the shortest format, where bowlers often have little margin for error and must respond quickly when batters attack.

India Look to Maintain Momentum Against West Indies  

With the T20I series against the West Indies continuing, India’s focus will be on maintaining their aggressive batting approach while ensuring that players understand their individual roles.

Pujara’s assessment offers a reminder that a batter’s contribution cannot always be measured by the size of the final score. In Kishan’s case, quickfire innings at No. 3 can help establish momentum and create opportunities for the rest of the lineup.

As India continue their campaign, Kishan will look to build on his promising starts, while Dhir’s growing role with the ball could provide another useful option for the team.