Ishan Kishan reveals reason behind batting ahead of Virat Kohli in second innings of series decider against West Indies 

Ishan Kishan & Virat Kohli (Source: Twitter)

After bundling out the West Indies for 255 runs on Day 4 (Sunday) in Trinidad, India grabbed a 183-run lead in the first innings of the second Test. Mohammad Siraj ran through Windies' lower order with five wickets to wrap up their innings in just 7.4 overs in the morning session. Indian batters then displayed England's 'bazball' style of play, scoring at a quick tempo, extending their lead further.

Play was interrupted on Sunday due to rain, and with unfavourable weather forecast for the final day, India were intent on scoring quickly. Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal got off to a strong start, putting on 98 runs inside 12 overs. The Indian captain registered his fastest Test fifty, while Jaiswal scored 38 off 30 balls. With both the openers dismissed in quick succession, it was Ishan Kishan who came out to bat at No. 4 instead of Virat Kohli.

After scoring a magnificent ton in the fist innings, everyone expected Kohli to bat alongside Shubman Gill, but surprisingly it was Kishan who came into the middle. The left-handed batter didn't get a good chance in this series, but when he did, he delivered with a stunning 34-ball 52. The 25-year-old later revealed the reason why he stepped out to bat ahead of  the former India captain.

It was Virat bhai who took the initiative: Ishan Kishan 

Soon after Kishan notching up his maiden Test fifty, Rohit declared the innings with setting the home team a massive target of 365. After the end of Day 4's play, the wicketkeeper batter revealed that it was Kohli who backed him to bat up the order and told him to play his natural game.

"It was really special (the half-century). I knew what the team needed from me. Everyone backed me. Virat backed me and told me 'go and play your game'. Let us hope we will finish the game tomorrow. It was Virat bhai who took the initiative and told me that I should go in," said Kishan.

"There was a slow left-armer who was bowling. It was a good call for the team. Sometimes you need to take these calls. We had the plan that we will play 10-12 overs after the rain break and score 70-80 runs. We wanted a 370-380 target," he added.