Picture this: a talented cricketer smashing a brilliant century not with wild swings and risky shots, but by playing it safe and smart, turning the game around for his team. Ishan Kishan's approach in the Ranji Trophy might just flip your ideas about batting on their head—stick around to see why it could be a game-changer, or perhaps, a point of heated debate.
In the world of cricket, Ishan Kishan has always been about living in the moment and savoring every chance to shine, no matter the competition level. Right now, he's leading Jharkhand in the prestigious 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, a domestic first-class tournament in India that's like the backbone of the sport, nurturing talent from regional teams year after year. And what a start he made! On a tricky, green pitch in Coimbatore, Kishan delivered a gritty, unbeaten 125 runs off 183 balls, his ninth century in first-class cricket, pulling Jharkhand back from the brink after their top batsmen crumbled against Tamil Nadu. It was a rescue mission that saw the team finish the first day at 307 for 6, with Kishan and Sahil Raj forming an unbreakable 150-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
But here's where it gets intriguing—Kishan wasn't out there blazing away with big hits. He showed remarkable patience, hitting just two sixes and focusing on steady accumulation, which is a big shift from his usual flashy style. This restraint helped tire out Tamil Nadu's bowlers and stabilize the innings.
Speaking to The Indian Express after the day's play, Kishan emphasized the wisdom that comes with experience. 'At this point in my career, I have to be really clever about my decisions,' he explained. 'It's about grasping the value of the Ranji Trophy—these games against top sides teach you the ropes and build you up.' For newcomers to cricket, the Ranji Trophy is India's premier domestic championship, where state teams battle it out over multiple matches, often on challenging pitches, to qualify for higher honors. It's where players hone their skills and catch selectors' eyes for national duty.
Kishan entered the crease at number five, with Jharkhand struggling at 79 for 3 right after lunch. He dug in for most of the next two sessions, adapting to the conditions. 'I was watching the wind when that left-arm spinner was bowling—I really wanted to attack him,' he admitted. 'But with six wickets down, it wasn't the time for heroics. I've learned from past mistakes that being in the middle and steering the ship is key.' This maturity shines through; in his early days, he might have chased quick runs, but now, he prioritizes building partnerships and wearing down the opposition, understanding that sometimes a single is more valuable than a six.
And this is the part most people miss: Kishan's no-target mindset. 'Whenever I set a specific goal, like scoring a certain number, I end up messing up badly—doing silly things that don't help,' he said. 'So this season, let's ditch the targets altogether. Just focus on staying at the wicket, and the runs will come naturally.'
To put this in perspective, it's like a golfer not aiming for a birdie on every hole but just playing solid shots to stay in the round. Kishan has built up to this season well: after a brief spell with Nottinghamshire in county cricket, where he scored 77 and 87, he was poised for a recall to India's Test squad against England at The Oval as cover for an injured Rishabh Pant. But a nasty e-bike accident in the UK left him bruised and sidelined, and Tamil Nadu's N Jagadeesan got the nod instead, with Dhruv Jurel stepping in as the main wicketkeeper-batter. Fully recovered, Kishan then starred for Rest of India's Irani Cup side recently, proving his readiness before diving into the Ranji action.
This philosophy of batting without targets isn't without its critics. Some might argue that goals drive motivation and help athletes push their limits—after all, without targets, how do you measure progress? But Kishan counters that rigid targets can lead to unnecessary risks, especially in high-pressure situations. It's a controversial take: is he onto something revolutionary, or is this just an excuse for playing safe? Do you think this approach could work in other sports, like basketball or tennis, where players often chase personal milestones? And what about his exclusion from the India squad despite his talents—fair call due to the injury, or a missed opportunity? We'd love to hear your opinions—do you side with Kishan on ditching targets, or does setting goals fuel your drive? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
For more cricket buzz, check out these related stories: Former selectors express surprise that Jalaj Saxena remains uncapped, Mohammed Shami shares why Ranji form translates to longer formats, and why the 91st Ranji season is absolutely essential.
