Sports News | Captaincy Leads to Immense Personal Growth: Ishan Kishan After 270 in Duleep Trophy Final

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 7 (ANI): East Zone captain Ishan Kishan said leadership has helped him develop greater situational awareness and a calmer mindset, as he reflected on the responsibilities that come with leading a team after his magnificent 270 in the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Kishan smashed 270 off 334 balls to help East Zone post 708 in their first innings against South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final.

Also Read | Pakistan vs Hong Kong China, Live Streaming and Free Telecast of Women’s Asia Cup 2026 in India.

Speaking after his marathon knock, Kishan said a captain needs to remain alert throughout the day and understand the needs of his teammates.

"When you are the captain of the team, the first thing you develop is situational awareness. You have to stay alert the entire day on the field to understand what is happening and what isn't. You have to take care of all your teammates," Kishan said, as quoted by Cricinfo.

Also Read | East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan Live Streaming and Telecast of Calcutta Football League 2026-27 Match.

The left-handed batter said captaincy also makes it a responsibility for a player to help teammates improve, adding that leadership involves paying attention to small details that can often be overlooked.

"There are so many small things we often coverlook in our daily routines -- you don't look at your players or try to help them figure out how they can get better. But when you are the captain, it becomes your duty to help them," he added.

Kishan said taking responsibility at this stage of his career has contributed significantly to his personal growth and changed his approach towards challenges.

"You will have to take responsibility. If you don't take it now, when will you? It's not like I am 22 years old and have just broken into the team. Going through this whole process leads to immense personal growth, and while you might not realise it immediately, your mindset shifts completely, and you become much calmer about things," the East Zone skipper said, as quoted by Cricinfo.

In February 2024, Kishan had lost his India central contract for not prioritising domestic cricket, but he has participated in various tournaments since, which has rekindled his hunger for red-ball cricket especially.

"I actually really enjoyed it. I went back, had to grind and work hard for about two years. But sometimes, what happens is... when we play regularly for the Indian team, you just keep playing in a flow. Yes, you might be a very good player, which is why you're playing for India, but your growth stagnates at a certain point. So when you take one step back and go back to domestic cricket, you start from zero again. To get back into the [national] team, your only option is to perform much better than them. Nothing against anyone, but I'm saying you'll only benefit if you do better," Kishan said, as quoted by Cricinfo.

Kishan's spectacular 270 and Kumar Kushagra's maiden Duleep Trophy century helped East Zone post a mammoth 708 all out on Day 2 of the final against South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Kishan shared a 230-run fifth-wicket partnership with Kushagra, who scored 101, while also crossing 4,000 first-class runs. Despite late wickets, East Zone maintained their dominance and put South Zone under significant pressure ahead of their first-innings reply. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)