Ishan Kishan opens his Test account on 20th delivery, frustrates Rohit Sharma as image goes viral

On 15 July 2023, India defeated West Indies by an innings and 141 runs in the first Test in Dominica and wrapped up the game within three days. However, all eyes were on two debutants of India, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan. Jaiswal announced his arrival to international cricket in some style by smacking 171 runs and won the Player of the Match award also.

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On the other hand, Ishan Kishan contributed as the wicket-keeper but as a batter, he did not get that much time to showcase his potential. He came out to bat after Virat Kohli’s dismissal and scored 1* run off 20 balls. Just after he opened his Test account, skipper Rohit Sharma declared their innings. But, before that single, Rohit Sharma came up with a gesture from the dressing room and it seemed regarding Ishan’s 20 ball-wait for the first run.

Here is the shared image:

Classic Rohit Sharma 😭💙 pic.twitter.com/5kw3UJeSsO

— Utsav 💔 (@utsav045) July 14, 2023

“I just wanted Ishan to get off the mark.” - Rohit Sharma

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Speaking of the image, it took place before the 153rd over got started in India’s innings. Rohit Sharma was seen gesturing to both batters in the middle and it seemed that he was letting them know that they were set to declare. Then, Ishan Kishan was yet to open his account despite facing 19 balls. After that, on the second delivery of that over, Ishan finally managed to score his first run in Test cricket and Rohit called for the declaration immediately. It seemed that Rohit was waiting for Kishan to get off the mark so he could declare. 

After the match, during the post-match presentation, Rohit was asked about it. In reply, he said: “I was just letting them know that we have an over or so and then declaring. I just wanted Ishan to get off the mark. Because he played 20 balls without getting off the mark. Wanted him to get his first runs in Test cricket and then we'd declare. But I understand, playing first Test can be nerves, he was waiting to bat all day yesterday too, so I wanted him to score one quickly before we declare.”