Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has analyzed Ishan Kishan's powerful 77-run innings against Pakistan in the recent T20 World Cup 2026, calling it a "calculative" masterclass driven by clear planning and strong team backing. Kishan's decisive 40-ball performance on February 15, 2026, helped India secure a 61-run victory over arch-rival Pakistan in Colombo, pushing India into the Super 8s of the tournament.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]} ### Bangar Breaks Down Kishan's Strategy Sanjay Bangar, speaking on Star Sports and JioStar, explained that Kishan's success was not just aggressive hitting but a well-thought-out approach. "There is a method in which he dominated," Bangar said.^{[1][2][7][3][4]} He highlighted two main factors contributing to Kishan's commanding performance. First, Kishan is batting at the top of the order, receiving full support from the team management to take calculated risks.^{[1][2][7][3][4]} This clear role clarity has allowed him to play with freedom.^[7] Second, Bangar pointed out Kishan's exceptional current form. "He is the man in form, and T20 cricket is basically for form players. So, he is maximising whatever form that he has," Bangar stated.^{[1][2][7][3][4]} This combination of a defined role and a purple patch in his career proved crucial on a challenging pitch in Colombo where other batters found stroke-making difficult.^[2][7] ### Strategic Attack on Pakistan Bowlers Bangar further detailed Kishan's tactical batting against Pakistan's varied bowling attack. Kishan did not target every bowler indiscriminately. Instead, he chose his moments wisely.^[1][2][3][4] "Even till the fourth over, he first attacked Shaheen Shah Afridi in the second over, then gave respect to the off-spinners, and when the leg-spinners came, he took them to the cleaners," Bangar explained.^{[1][2][7][3][4]} This strategic targeting allowed him to inflict significant damage on Pakistan's lead pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was restricted to just two overs in the match.^[1] Kishan's innings included 10 fours and three sixes, showcasing his ability to find boundaries effectively.^[2][7][4][8] Despite getting the majority of the strike, he managed the strike rotation efficiently, ensuring India maintained momentum.^[1][2][3][4] This "calculative innings," as Bangar described it, was instrumental in India posting a strong total of 175/7.^[1][2][4] ### Resurgence and Impact Kishan's 77-run knock was his second consecutive half-century in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, marking a significant turnaround in his career.^[2][5] Just six months prior, he was out of national contention.^[2][7][8] His consistent performances since returning to the squad have solidified his place.^[2][8] This defining contribution against Pakistan not only ensured India's comfortable progression to the Super 8s but also boosted team confidence.^[2][4] Kishan had previously played a crucial innings against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023. In that 50-over match on September 2, 2023, he scored 82 runs off 81 balls, forming a vital 138-run partnership with Hardik Pandya after India faced an early collapse.^{[9][10][11][12][5]} His coach, Ajit Mishra, also praised Kishan's fearless mindset, crediting lessons learned during his early training in Patna for shaping his World Cup masterclass.^[8][6] The team's decision to back Kishan and his ability to convert good form into match-winning performances are key takeaways from his recent success. India appears well-positioned to carry this momentum forward in the tournament.^[1]

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