WI v IND: Ishan Kishan outpaces Rohit Sharma, hits 33-ball maiden Test fifty in Port of Spain

By India Today Sports Desk: Ishan Kishan brought up his maiden Test century in only his 2nd outing in whites for India on Day 4 of the 2nd Test of a 2-match series against the West Indies in Port of Spain in Trinidad. Ishan got his fifty in just 33 balls just before Rohit Sharma signalled declaration of the Indian innings at 181 for 2, setting the hosts a steep target of 365.

Ishan Kishan got to his maiden Test fifty in style as he went from 38 to 50 with 2 huge sixes against Kemar Roach. Ishan got to the landmark with a one-handed six against the senior fast bowler that sailed into the stands over long-on.

West Indies vs India, 2nd Test Day 4 Updates

The Indian players in the dressing room stood up and applauded the effort from Ishan Kishan as he provided the impetus to the innings after coming into bat at No. 4 ahead of Virat Kohli in the 2nd innings in Port of Spain.

Ishan’s 33-ball fifty is also the 5th fastest in Test cricket by an Indian batter.

FASTEST TEST FIFTIES BY INDIA BATTERS

1. Rishabh Pant – 28 balls vs Sri Lanka in 2002
2. Kapil Dev – 30 vs Pakistan in 1982
3. Shardul Thakur – 31 vs England in 2021
4. Virender Sehwag – 32 vs England in 2008
5. Ishan Kishan – 33 vs West Indies in 2023

Notably, Ishan Kishan managed just a single in his debut Test match as Rohit Sharma declared after waiting for the wicketkeeper-batter to get off the mark in India’s innings and 141-run victory in Dominica.

In the 2nd innings of the 2nd Test, India scored at a sensational pace as they amassed 181 in just 24 overs. India broke the record for the fastest team hundred by getting there in just 12.2 overs.

Notably, Ishan Kishan’s 33-ball fifty came hours after Rohit Sharma hit his fastest Test fifty in 35 balls.

One of the defining moments of Kishan’s career came in December 2022 when he scored a double century against Bangladesh in an ODI match. He scored 210 runs off just 131 balls, setting numerous records. He became the youngest and fastest cricketer to score a double century in ODIs, surpassing Chris Gayle’s record. This feat also made him the first player to convert his maiden ODI century into a double hundred.

Kishan’s evolution in international cricket has been remarkable. From leading the India U19 side at the 2016 ICC U19 World Cup in Bangladesh to making his mark in the IPL and ODIs, he has shown tremendous growth. His aggressive batting style and innovative shot-making has given him a chance to be an all-format player for India.