High price-tag does create an unimaginable pressure and that's the reason why IPL auction's costliest buy Ishan Kishan was advised by current India captain Rohit Sharma and his predecessor Virat Kohli not to lose sleep over something which is not under his control.
Mumbai Indians re-bought Ishan from the auction at a staggering price of Rs 15.25 crore but so far, there hasn't been return on investment with the Jharkhand dasher accumulating only 321 runs.
Kishan agreed that price-tag pressure does play on one's mind for a first few days but his Team Indian seniors have specifically told him not to fret too much on the issue.
"Price tag pressure will remain for a few days but then one feels the pressure then it's always good to speak to the seniors and share your worries," Ishan said ahead of MI's match against Chennai Super Kings.
"So many seniors like Rohit (Sharma), Virat bhai (Virat Kohli) and Hardik bhai (Pandya) said I should not think about the price tag, because this is not something I have asked for."
"If someone has believed (in me), they have done it (bid that amount)."
At the highest level, one can't think too much about these things as the focus is on trying to guide the side to victory.
"Instead of thinking about price-tag, it is important how I think about improving my game and be in that zone. It helped that I spoke to the seniors as they all have been through that phase and could relate with what I was feeling."
He does feel a touch lighter after his conversations with Rohit and Virat.
"Now I feel light and price-tag is secondary now. It's immaterial if you are sold for a base price of Rs 1 crore or for a premium bid of Rs 15.25 core. What is important is to help your team win and also help others in achieving that goal."
Captain, coach asked me to play my natural game
Ishan said that skipper Rohit and head coach Mahela Jayawardene asked him to play his natural game.
"The captain and the coach asked me to play my (natural) game. Everyone has roles in the team and for me it was giving good starts and if I am set, then I have to try not to get out in 30s and 40s and convert them into big scores," said the left-handed batter.
