DIVYA DELHI : After India’s dominant win over Namibia in the ICC T20 World Cup, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan said the team has already completed its preparation to counter Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq’s sidearm action. Kishan noted that facing Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus — who also bowls with a sidearm action — provided valuable match practice. “We’ve done the preparation part. Now it’s about watching the ball and playing our natural game,” he said, adding that video analysis had given the team a clear idea of what to expect. The left-hander smashed a blistering 24-ball 61 to power India to 209/9, with Hardik Pandya contributing 52 off 28 balls. Despite a strong start from Namibia in the powerplay, India’s spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel turned the game around, bowling the opposition out for 116. Reflecting on his growth after leading Jharkhand to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title, Kishan said he is now more focused on his craft. “I am a changed man. My focus is on batting and wicketkeeping — everything else is secondary,” he added. India now sit atop Group A with two wins from two matches, ahead of their much-anticipated clash against Pakistan on February 15.
