On a slow, tricky pitch in Sri Lanka, where batting looked like hard labour, Ishan Kishan played an innings that stood apart from the rest. His 77 off
40 balls against Pakistan was not just about runs. It was about courage, clarity, and control under pressure.
While most batters struggled to time the ball, Kishan found a way to dominate. Pakistan relied heavily on spin, using the surface to their advantage. Yet, Kishan refused to be trapped by the conditions. He swept, pulled, and drove with confidence, turning a difficult wicket into his personal stage.
His childhood coach, Uttam Mazumdar, captured the moment perfectly.
"It was a remarkable innings, not only for Ishan but also for Team India. It was a very difficult task, especially on a challenging wicket. He played a brilliant knock, and when Abhishek Sharma got out, it became even more difficult to play shots. Despite that, Ishan performed exceptionally well, making it a very special innings. I believe this knock will boost his confidence ahead of the Super 8 stage, and performances like this must continue if Ishan is to play a key role in India's World Cup campaign. "
This performance did not happen by chance. Behind it was preparation, conversation, and trust between a coach and his student.
Mazumdar revealed how closely they stay connected.
"Yes, we talk every day. Even before the innings (against Pakistan), he called me, and I told him how he should play his shots. I explained that the wicket conditions were completely different, so he needed to wait and watch. And that's exactly the approach he followed. "
After an early wicket, when India was under pressure and spinners were everywhere, Kishan did not panic. He read the pitch, chose his shots wisely, and took control in the powerplay.
His coach explained the key.
"It was because of the ball selection. I said earlier that the wicket would spin a lot. We already knew that Sri Lankan wickets would be difficult. The same thing happened, and yesterday's wicket was very slow. It was spinning. So, this was a very important innings. It was also very important to hit the ball well. Ishan did the same thing. It was a very difficult wicket, but he scored those runs and won the game. "
This innings was more than a match-winning knock. It was a statement that Kishan is learning, adapting, and growing.
Looking ahead, Mazumdar's expectations are clear.
"He has to maintain the same momentum and play the same way he is playing. He must keep the same approach and stay positive. He has to take responsibility and move forward. I believe he will go ahead and reach another 100. That is the expectation. "
In a tournament where every run matters, Ishan Kishan's 77 was not just a number. It was proof of maturity. It was the sound of a young cricketer stepping into leadership. And if he follows his coach's words, this may only be the beginning.
