IND vs WI: Rohit Sharma's massive praise for Ishan Kishan ahead of 2nd Test - 'He has the game and if...'

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India captain Rohit Sharma has heaped rich praises on Ishan Kishan who made his Test debut in the first Test against West Indies in Dominica last week. He said that the 25-year-old has all the talents in the world, adding that the team would back him to play his natural aggressive brand of cricket.

Rohit talked at length about Kishan's wicket-keeping skills which impressed him during the first Test. He said that the Jharkhand cricketer did a terrific job behind the stumps on a turning track against the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

“Ishan is a very talented guy. We’ve seen it in the short career that he’s had for India. He recently made 200 runs in limited-overs (ODI against Bangladesh last December). He has the game and the talent and we have to harness that talent," Rohit said ahead of the first Test,

“So we need to give (him) opportunities. He’s a left-handed batter and likes to play a lot of aggressive cricket.” The captain also said he had spoken to Ishan on how he wanted the youngster to play his game.

“I have had a clear conversation with him on how I want him to play and have given him complete freedom. He has the game and if he wants a bit of freedom to express himself, then that is our job. We will do that with Ishan.

“Unfortunately he got to score just one run as we had to declare. We want that our top-order batters bat long. If the opportunity comes (to bat long), he (Ishan) is raring to go.

“I will like to speak specifically about his wicket-keeping. He kept really, really well considering he played his first Test and to keep against Ashwin and Jadeja where the ball is turning and bouncing and some balls keeping low as well… I was very impressed with his keeping skills," he added.

No drastic changes for second Test

Further, the 36-year-old made it clear that there would not be many changes in the playing eleven of the second Test match which starts on Thursday, July 20. However, he asserted that uncertainty over the conditions loomed due to the rain forecast in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

“In Dominica (first Test venue), we had a clear idea when we saw the pitch and knew the conditions. Here we don’t have clarity as there is talk of rain, but I don’t think there will be drastic changes. But whatever conditions are available, based on that, we will make that decision,” Rohit said ahead of the historic 100th Test against the West Indies at the Queen's Park Oval.

In case of rain, India could replace Jaydev Unadkat with Mukesh Kumar. Unadkat wasn't as effective as Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur in the first Test.

Giving role clarity important in transition period: Rohit

Rohit also talked about the transition phase in the Indian Test team, saying that making clear the roles of the youngsters was important. He expressed confidence in the youngsters whom he expects to take Indian cricket to greater heights.

“Transition has to happen, whether today or tomorrow but I am happy that our boys who are coming in are doing well. And our role is important as we have to give them role clarity. Now it’s up to them how they want to prepare and perform for the team.

“… And we rely on those individuals and obviously they are the future of Indian cricket and they will take Indian cricket to greater heights,” Rohit said.