‘There is a method’: Former India Coach Decodes Ishan Kishan’s Masterclass Against Pakistan
Ishan Kishan has solidified his reputation as a high-pressure asset for the Indian cricket team, with former batting coach Sanjay Bangar highlighting the left-hander’s tactical acumen during the high-stakes encounter against Pakistan. In a match where the top order collapsed under the weight of Shaheen Shah Afridi’s pace, Kishan’s counter-attacking resilience proved to be the differentiator.
While recent discussions have focused on selection dynamics, Kishan’s performance in Pallekele remains a case study in modern white-ball adaptation. Coming to the crease with the scoreboard reading a precarious 48/4, Kishan constructed a defining innings of 82 runs, rescuing the team alongside Hardik Pandya.
Calculated Aggression Over Recklessness
The innings was characterized not just by boundary hitting, but by a clear understanding of matchups. According to Bangar, Kishan’s success stems from a fearless mindset combined with role clarity. Speaking on Star Sports, Bangar noted that Kishan utilized his form to dictate terms rather than merely surviving.
“To bat like Ishan Kishan, the way he did against Pakistan, I believe there have to be a couple of factors that have to be your advantage,” Bangar explained. “Number one, he is batting at the top of the order [or adjusting to the situation]. He has the backing of the team to go out and play by taking a lot of risks, which, at the moment, are coming off.”
Match Statistics: India vs. Pakistan (Asia Cup Group A)
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ishan Kishan | 82 | 81 | 9 | 2 | 101.23 |
| Hardik Pandya | 87 | 90 | 7 | 1 | 96.66 |
Strategic Targeting of Bowlers
Bangar emphasized that Kishan did not attack indiscriminately. The “method” involved respecting the moving ball early on—specifically Shaheen Afridi’s second spell—and then capitalizing on the spin department to accelerate the scoring rate.
“There is a method in which he dominated. It isn’t that he was targeting each and every bowler,” Bangar observed. “He first attacked Shaheen Shah Afridi in the second over [of his spell], then gave respect to the off-spinners, and when the leg-spinners came, he took them to the cleaners.”
This calculated assault allowed Kishan to farm the strike effectively, contributing significantly to the 138-run partnership that stabilized the Indian innings. Bangar termed the knock “very calculative,” noting that Kishan maximized the scoring opportunities presented by the middle overs.
Key Takeaways from the Analysis
- Strike Rotation: Kishan managed to rotate strike effectively despite the pressure, preventing the Pakistani bowlers from settling into a rhythm.
- Spin Dominance: The left-hander specifically targeted the leg-spin variations, altering the field placements.
- Recovery: The innings shifted the momentum from a potential collapse to a competitive total.
For more official statistics and match reports, visit the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or the International Cricket Council (ICC).