Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan has seemingly taken a jibe at Pakistan’s white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, over his frequent appeals behind the stumps. During a casual conversation with IPL umpire Anil Chaudhary, Kishan made remarks indirectly criticizing Rizwan’s wicketkeeping approach.
Conversation with Umpire Anil Chaudhary
During a practice session with his IPL franchise, Ishan Kishan engaged in a lighthearted discussion with umpire Anil Chaudhary about the evolving nature of appealing in modern cricket.
Chaudhary humorously remarked on Kishan’s more selective approach to appeals, saying:
“You’ve become quite smart! You’ve played many matches under my umpiring. Now, you only appeal when necessary, but earlier, you used to appeal excessively. What changed?”
Responding to this, Kishan explained how his understanding of umpiring decisions has evolved:
“I feel umpires have become more alert. If you appeal too frequently, even genuine dismissals might be given not out. So, it’s better to appeal only when you are confident of the decision.”
Indirect Dig at Rizwan’s Wicketkeeping Style
While elaborating on his approach, Kishan took a subtle dig at Mohammad Rizwan, saying:
“If I start appealing behind the wickets like Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan, you guys (umpires) won’t give it out!”
His statement seemed to reference Rizwan’s habit of making repeated and sometimes exaggerated appeals, a trait that has drawn criticism in recent matches.
Ishan Kishan’s Perspective on Umpiring Standards
Continuing the discussion, Kishan expressed his views on umpiring standards, mentioning that while some umpires bring a sense of reliability, there is always room for improvement:
“To be honest, there are some umpires whose presence in a match makes us happy. However, there is always scope for improvement in decision-making.”
Context Behind Kishan’s Comments
Ishan Kishan’s comments come at a time when Mohammad Rizwan has been under scrutiny for excessive appealing in recent matches. His constant pressure on umpires has sparked debates among cricket fans and analysts.
Final Thoughts
While Kishan’s remarks may have been made in a lighter tone, they reflect a broader conversation about the role of wicketkeepers in influencing umpiring decisions. As cricket continues to evolve, both players and umpires must adapt to ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the game.
