India, Jan. 24 -- India skipper Suryakumar Yadav had glowing words for Ishan Kishan after the left-hander delivered a fearless response to early trouble against New Zealand. Chasing a stiff target, India were jolted straight away, losing both openers inside the first seven balls and slipping to 6 for 2. With the pressure mounting, Ishan showed no signs of nerves and instead took the fight to the Kiwi bowlers, attacking from the outset and refusing to let the early blows slow the innings down.

His intent quickly turned the momentum in India's favour as he peppered the boundaries and picked his moments to go aerial. By the end of the powerplay, India had surged to 75 for 2, with Ishan doing most of the damage during the fielding restrictio...