Ishan Kishan was named India's 'Best Attitude of the Match' award winner after a standout all-round display in the second T20I against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday, 26 July. The wicketkeeper-batter's blistering 81 off 44 balls anchored India's total of 219/5, before the visitors bowled Zimbabwe out for 129 to seal a commanding 90-run victory and an unassailable 2-0 series lead.

Kishan's Match-Winning Knock

Kishan's innings was the centrepiece of India's dominant batting display, combining power hitting with intent from the outset. The total of 219/5 proved well beyond Zimbabwe's reach, as India's bowlers then dismissed the hosts for 129, wrapping up the contest with clinical efficiency. The win, under stand-in captain Shreyas Iyer, effectively sealed the three-match series with one game still to play.

What the Support Staff Said

Following the victory, head coach VVS Laxman handed the responsibility of announcing the award to the support staff. Strength and Conditioning Coach A.I. Harsha revealed Kishan as the recipient, citing the batter's professional approach across every facet of the tour.

'There's one thing common across every sport, and that is the challenge it presents every single day. It is up to an individual to see it either as a threat or as an opportunity. Our contender for today definitely saw this as an opportunity,' Harsha said in a video released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Harsha noted that Kishan arrived on tour with clear goals across departments. 'He's come on this tour meaning business. Every time he stepped onto the field and every time he did his things, he looked like he meant business. He was very precise with what he wanted to do. It almost looked like he knew exactly what he wanted. He came to every department saying, 'I want this from fielding, I want this from strength and conditioning, skill, everything.' He seemed like a very sorted guy,' Harsha added.

Harsha also acknowledged a minor fielding lapse during the match but emphasised that Kishan's overall contribution far eclipsed it. 'Even though he had a blip on the field today, everything else outshone it. What he did well was much better than what the blip was. This guy today, for all of us, is Ishan Kishan,' he said.

Kishan's Own Words

Accepting the award, Kishan kept his message team-focused. 'Very well done, guys, today. Looking at the energy from behind the stumps, I think we are going on the right track. Let's just keep up the good work. It's always for the team. So let's do it,' he said.

About the Award and What's Next

The 'Best Attitude of the Match' award was instituted by head coach Laxman for this tour and is presented after each game to recognise the player who best embodies the team's values and collective spirit. Vice-captain Tilak Varma had received the honour following India's win in the first T20I. The third and final match of the series remains to be played, with India already assured of the series trophy.