Coach Ishank Jaggi reflects on Ishan Kishan's growth after Duleep Trophy win

Coach Ishank Jaggi during the 2026 Jharkhand T20 Cricket League

Kolkata: Almost fourteen years after Ishank Jaggi was named Player of the Match when East Zone last won the Duleep Trophy, he watched Ishan Kishan collect the same award as the region ended its long wait for the title. For Jaggi, the coincidence was nostalgic. But more than the memories of his own playing days, seeing someone he considers a younger brother reach the summit gave him more satisfaction. With their similar names — Ishank and Ishan — adding a little coincidence to a bond that has grown from being teammates to mentor and student, Jaggi has known Kishan since the latter was around 16. He was one of the young wicketkeeper-batter’s first senior teammates and, over the years, their relationship evolved from dressing-room association to a much closer bond. Jaggi later worked with Kishan at his cricket academy and also played a role in his development as a coach. That has given Jaggi a ringside view of Kishan’s journey — from an exciting, aggressive young batter to a more mature all-format cricketer.

“Ishan always had that fighting spirit and hunger. That was never missing. What has changed is the experience and maturity he has gained,” Jaggi said. Kishan’s difficult phase after losing his place in the India side and his BCCI central contract in 2024, according to Jaggi, became an important turning point. “Sometimes when you hit rock bottom, you start thinking more deeply about your game and your career,” he said. Rather than allowing the setback to derail him, Kishan used the period to work on several aspects of his game. Jaggi said the batter put considerable effort into his batting, fitness, nutrition and preparation, while also developing a better understanding of his own game. The biggest change, Jaggi believes, has been in Kishan’s ability to temper his natural aggression according to the demands of a situation. “He was always seen as an attacking player, but over the last couple of years he has shown that he can also build an innings and play according to what the team requires,” Jaggi said.