Mumbai Indians’ (MI) batter Ishan Kishan hasn’t been in the best of form in the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The left-handed batter started his campaign with an unbeaten 81-run knock against the Delhi Capitals (DC), although it went in vain. Thereafter, the southpaw smashed 54 runs against Sanju Samson’s Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Mumbai.

Just when it seemed he was among the contenders to win the Orange Cap, things went terribly wrong for the Young Turk. In MI’s last six matches, Kishan has scored a mere 64 runs at an average of 10.67 with a top score of 26 against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). On Sunday, April 24, the 23-year-old Kishan probably experienced one of his most painful knocks.

Ishan Kishan flatters to deceive

At the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Kishan scored a mere 8 runs off 20 balls against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and played at a strike rate of 40. He also shared a 49-run partnership for the opening wicket with Rohit Sharma after the Mumbai-based team was asked to chase down 169. Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi brought an end to Kishan’s painstaking stay in the middle.

Kishan tried to smash a short and wide delivery on the leg side, but ended up losing his shape completely. The ball bounced off Quinton de Kock’s boots and Jason Holder took the rebound at first slip. The third umpire had a hard look at the dismissal before adjudging Kishan out.

Meanwhile, fans lashed out at Kishan for not being able to live up to their expectations. Back in February, MI bagged Kishan for INR 15.25 crores in the mega auction. Some social media followers reckoned Mumbai shelled out more than what Kishan deserved.

Here’s how the fans reacted to Kishan’s knock

This match clearly shows how overrated of player Ishan Kishan is. Dreadful and selfish batting, he is reason way Mumbai is struggling at the start. He eats up so many balls without scoring , puts pressure on his partners and then gets out.#MIvsLSG

— Mahendra Pandey (@rishicapri) April 24, 2022

Difference is

Whan Hashim Amla ke teammates ko dukh hua hoga

Yhan Ishan Kishan ke teammates ko khushi hui hai https://t.co/N4Cw6w7dxL

— Abhinandan (@Abhinandan673) April 24, 2022

ishan kishan saab ko dekhte hue log pic.twitter.com/Dq0UjdzEVz

— Sahilarioussss (@Sahilarioussss) April 24, 2022

@TukTuk_Academy new CEO Ishan kishan

— Abhishek {KKR} (@Abhishek_146) April 24, 2022

Ishan Kishan Mehta… Scam 2022 pic.twitter.com/lQswQrqGrI

— (@Sarkesam) April 24, 2022

Ambani spent 15.25 cr on Ishan Kishan in the auction

— Anish Kohli (@anish_kohli) April 24, 2022

Nobody in the world would have robbed Ambani, the way Ishan Kishan has. Scored 8 of 29 bowls and got out in the most buzzard way.#LSGvsMI #IPL2022

— Shaharyar Ejaz (@SharyOfficial) April 24, 2022

Mi Paid Ishan Kishan 15cr to Play Test Innings

— A.k (@DC_TARD) April 24, 2022

Some find innovative ways to score runs, Ishan Kishan finds weird ways to get out. MI needs to find a new opener. Struggling to justify the massive purchase. #MIvLSG @mipaltan #IPL2022

— Sidharth Jhawar (@SidharthJhawar) April 24, 2022