New Delhi, Feb 16 In the classic 1965 film, Waqt, Asha Bhosle sings a line that has resonated through generations: "Aage bhi jaane na tu, peche bhi jaane na tu, jo bhi hai bas yahi ek pal hai."
The song in the film serves as a reminder of time's unpredictability—how life can change suddenly, how the future is uncertain, and the past is irreversible.
For Ishan Kishan, these words became a guiding principle.
At a time when his place in Indian cricket seemed uncertain—when the future seemed blocked and the past offered no guarantees—the 27-year-old from Patna chose to focus on the present moment.
He had been struggling for a while. Rishabh Pant had made a strong comeback, Dhruv Jurel was performing well, Sanju Samson was a consistent performer, and Jitesh Sharma was known for his aggressive batting. If someone was as low on the pecking order as number five, what chance did Kishan have? He was a talented stroke-maker, but he couldn't consistently perform under pressure, especially without knowing when he would get another opportunity.
In a challenging environment, Kishan needed a break to recharge. He needed time to focus on his mental well-being. However, his selectors questioned his commitment to domestic cricket, and his central contract was cancelled.
Instead, Kishan chose to focus on the present. He started meditation to improve his concentration. At his father's suggestion, he began reading the Bhagavad Gita. He also hired a personal chef to ensure he had a healthy diet, avoiding hotel food. He carefully monitored his sleep and rest.
While Kishan didn't make any public statements, the questions about his commitment to Indian cricket must have been difficult for him.
"During that time, he was tired and needed a break," his friend Anshumat Srivastava said. "He knew what he needed to do to succeed, and he was willing to put in the work. It was never about chasing specific numbers in Ranji, SMAT, or other domestic tournaments. He just wanted to focus on improving his game."
Anshumat, who is Kishan's best friend, has been a constant source of support. "To live in the present is challenging, but he did that," Anshumat said. "The process became sacrosanct for him. What you see against Pakistan today is a result of the hard work he started two years ago."
Along with Kishan, Anshumat is also a co-founder of the Ishan Kishan Cricket Academy in Patna.
"Everyone—including Kishan's father Pranav Pandey, his doctor brother Raj Kishan, and his college tennis coach—surrounded him with love and support," Anshumat said. "This created a safe and secure environment where he could focus on his game."
Kishan's routine changed significantly. He started meditating regularly. He began reading the Bhagavad Gita, and he focused on his skills training at his academy twice a day.
"The clarity that Kishan has achieved is a result of the hours he has spent practicing at the nets," Anshumat said. "He has been able to visualize his shots and execute them with precision. This mental preparation has been key to his success."
When Kishan was asked about his comeback, he simply said, "I just want to play cricket and enjoy it."
Anshumat, who travelled to Colombo to watch the Pakistan game, also shared some insights into Kishan's personality. "Ishan is a fun-loving guy who loves his friends and family," Anshumat said. "He is always positive and upbeat, and he never takes himself too seriously."
When Kishan was asked about his goals, he said, "I just want to contribute to the team and help India win matches."
"Ishan is a talented stroke-maker who is capable of scoring big runs," Anshumat said. "He is also a good team player and a great person to be around. I am confident that he will continue to improve and make a significant contribution to Indian cricket."
