Chennai Super Kings: Former India batter Ambati Rayudu praised the temperament and versatility of Ishan Kishan after the keeper-batter played a key role in Sunrisers Hyderabad's must-win five-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings that ensured their spot in the IPL 2026 playoffs.
On a difficult pitch at Chepauk, the wicketkeeper-batter smashed a 70-ball 47 that saw him stitch a 75-run match-winning partnership with Heinrich Klaasen for the Sunrisers Hyderabad after they lost both Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma at the start of their run chase.
"It was stopping and turning and I think he was the man who stepped up and he has stepped up on a number of tough wickets this season," Rayudu said on ESPNCricinfo Timeout show.
"It tells us that Ishan Kishan is so versatile. He is somebody that can attack and he can also hold an innings when it is not good. He's a fantastic asset to have," he added.
"It was stopping and turning and I think he was the man who stepped up and he has stepped up on a number of tough wickets this season," Rayudu said on ESPNCricinfo Timeout show.
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"It's because I feel he is now becoming a massive, massive asset for whatever team he's playing for and he stepped up wonderfully. He plays second fiddle to Klaasen when needed and picks his pockets of any gaps that he gets. He is not throwing his bat at everything, he is aware of where they are trying to bowl away from him. He has all that composure and awareness to hit the gaps."