Lucknow: Ishan Kishan said he had no hesitation in playing the supporting role to Shreyas Iyer after the pair produced a match-winning partnership to help India defeat the West Indies by eight wickets in the first T20I in Lucknow.
India chased down 172 with eight wickets in hand and 32 balls to spare, with Iyer smashing an unbeaten 102 off 43 balls to register his maiden T20I century. Kishan provided valuable support with an unbeaten 37 off 20 balls as India completed a comfortable victory.
The partnership between the two left-hand and right-hand batters ensured India remained in control throughout the chase, with Kishan happy to allow Iyer to take the lead once the latter found his rhythm.
Ishan Kishan praises Shreyas Iyer
Kishan said he was comfortable playing the supporting role because the team’s priority was to secure victory rather than focus on individual performances.
The wicketkeeper-batter said he was enjoying his partnership with Iyer and did not mind playing second fiddle when his teammate was striking the ball so well.
Iyer took the attack to the West Indies bowlers after India lost an early wicket, accelerating rapidly as the chase progressed.
Kishan, meanwhile, focused on rotating the strike and ensuring that India did not lose momentum.
The approach worked perfectly as India reached the target in just 14.4 overs.
Iyer produces stunning T20I century
Iyer’s unbeaten 102 was the highlight of India’s chase.
The right-hander reached his maiden T20I century in spectacular fashion, combining powerful strokes with excellent placement to dismantle the West Indies attack.
His innings came from only 43 deliveries and included a series of boundaries that kept the required run rate comfortably under control.
Iyer’s century also provided an important boost after India lost an early wicket during the chase.
His ability to accelerate without putting the team’s position at risk was particularly impressive as India moved steadily towards the target.
Kishan contributes unbeaten 37
While Iyer dominated the scoring, Kishan played an important supporting role.
He remained unbeaten on 37 from 20 balls, ensuring that India maintained a strong scoring rate while giving Iyer the freedom to attack.
Kishan’s innings included well-timed boundaries and came at a strike rate of 185.
The partnership demonstrated India’s batting depth and allowed the team to complete the chase without further setbacks.
For Kishan, the innings was also an encouraging return to the T20I setup as he continues to compete for a regular place in India’s white-ball teams.
West Indies post 171 before India chase
Earlier, the West Indies posted 171 all out after being asked to bat first.
John Campbell and Shimron Hetmyer provided important contributions, while Sherfane Rutherford scored a quick half-century to give the visitors a competitive total.
India’s bowlers, however, kept taking wickets at crucial stages and prevented the West Indies from building the kind of total that could have put pressure on the home side.
Debutant Naman Dhir was particularly impressive, finishing with three wickets.
Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel also claimed two wickets each as India eventually bowled the West Indies out.
India take 1-0 lead
The eight-wicket victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
The result was particularly convincing because India completed the chase with more than five overs remaining, highlighting the dominance of the batting performance.
Iyer’s century and Kishan’s contribution ensured that the West Indies attack had few opportunities to put India under pressure.
The two teams will now move to Ranchi for the second T20I on October 9.
Kishan’s role could be important
Kishan’s willingness to adapt his role could prove useful for India as the team continues to develop its batting combinations.
A top-order batter capable of switching between an aggressive approach and a supporting role gives the team greater flexibility during a chase.
Against the West Indies, Kishan recognised that Iyer was in exceptional touch and adjusted his own approach accordingly.
Rather than attempting to match Iyer’s scoring rate, he concentrated on keeping the partnership intact and ensuring India remained on course for victory.
That unselfish approach ultimately helped India finish the match comfortably.
Partnership gives India positive start
The Iyer-Kishan partnership was one of the biggest positives from India’s opening T20I of the series.
Iyer’s explosive century provided the headline performance, but Kishan’s ability to complement him was equally important to the successful chase.
India will now look to build on the performance when the second T20I takes place in Ranchi.
For Kishan, the message was clear: individual milestones matter, but adapting to the needs of the partnership and the team can be just as valuable.