?On the cusp of history, Ishan Kishan stays calm

After the Sri Lanka game, where India lost Rishabh Pant and Kishan before the tenth over, he had said that had any other team been batting in those conditions the openers could not have survived even that long. The match against West Indies, which has Alzarri Joseph and Chemar Holder – the tournament’s most threatening opening-bowling pair – is going to be similarly challenging.

“Everyday is a different game and tomorrow is a different game. I will forget the past and focus only on the situation on hand,” said Kishan. “If initially, me and Pant stay till the 12th over, then 300 is possible because our strength is such that we know how to rotate the strike, and when to hit. Our calculation is good. So, the first ten overs will be crucial; if we don’t lose wickets in them, then it will be a plus point for us.”

No matter whether India wins or loses, it will be the end of the Under-19 careers of many cricketers, and Kishan was impressed with the manner in which the team came together.

“In the boot camp that we had gone (in October), we had climbed mountains and done other things. Dinner and team meetings have helped in communication and building trust,” he said. “When I came here, I had not thought I will come across so many professionals (in the team). Everyone is engrossed in the game. It feels like a final as everyone is in the zone.”

A fourth World Cup win for India would be the perfect ending to a special three-month period in the lives of 15 young cricketers.