Kishan on his role at No. 3: 'I don't focus on what's happening outside'

Kishan defended his position at No. 3, saying "I don't focus on what's happening outside." He explained that after early wickets India abandoned thoughts of a 250-plus total and instead opted to "build a partnership and take the innings deep."

Kishan's comments were published on 2026-07-25T18:52:06.0000000Z and addressed his mindset in the middle-order slot. He framed his task as one of consolidation rather than chasing a specific big-score benchmark. The remarks followed a period in the innings when India lost early wickets, forcing a reassessment of the team's approach. Kishan highlighted that the priority shifted to steadying the batting and prolonging the innings.

On the subject of outside noise and external expectations, he used a succinct phrase to sum up his attitude: "I don't focus on what's happening outside." That statement underlines his preference for concentrating on the immediate job at hand rather than on broader narratives or pressure. He described the role at No. 3 as one that often requires adapting to the state of the innings and the match situation. The emphasis, he said, is on partnership-building and time at the crease.

When asked about the team's targets after the early collapses, Kishan said India put aside thoughts of a 250-plus total and chose to "build a partnership and take the innings deep" after losing early wickets. He presented that line of thinking as a conscious shift in tactics rather than a fallback. The language he used stressed patience and construction as the primary aims once the top order had been dented. Kishan implied that such an approach was aimed at setting a platform for the later stages of the innings.

Kishan also reflected on the practical aspects of batting at No. 3, noting that the position often demands both defence and the ability to accelerate when the situation allows. He characterised his responsibilities in terms of timing and temperament, suggesting those elements guide his match-to-match adjustments. The remarks avoided any specific statistical targets and instead focused on process and partnership. His comments painted a picture of a player intent on contributing through measured innings.

He reiterated that external chatter does not affect his preparation or in-game choices, returning to the line "I don't focus on what's happening outside." That refrain framed the interview and underlined his approach to handling expectations. By prioritising partnerships and the longevity of the innings, Kishan conveyed a clear, process-driven rationale for his role at No. 3.