Ishan Kishan had smacked 61 runs in 24 balls for India against Namibia.
Ishan Kishan, ace India keeper-opener, has stated that the Men in Blue are done with their preparations for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 game against arch-rivals Pakistan. This match will be played on February 15 at the RPS ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
With an emphasis on addressing the special challenge presented by spinner Usman Tariq, India's preparations for the high-stakes T20 World Cup match against Pakistan have taken a distinct tactical direction.
Kishan had smacked 61 in 24 balls with 6 fours and 5 sixes in India’s 93-run win over Namibia in Delhi and stated that facing Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmus — who also bowls with a sidearm action — offered valuable rehearsal ahead of the Pakistan game.
Kishan, who spoke following the post-match presentation, discussed how the team can prepare for Usman's sidearm action against Erasmus, an off-spinner who also uses a sidearm action.
He said that watching videos helps the team understand what to do, and the Namibian captain's four-fer was a great "learning" tool before the match.
"No, I think we have already done the preparation part, and now it is just time to watch the ball and play our natural game (on preparing to play Tariq). So, if the ball is there, as a batter, we just feel like going in because it's a T20 game. And we are trying to set a good total on board. But we do have to believe in our strength as well.
There's nothing like you have to prepare. I think at this level, we just watch a few videos, and we get an idea of what kind of bowling is going to happen. So, we are just keeping it simple. Yeah, he bowled pretty well today, and I think there was quite a bit of learning for us for our team as well today," Kishan said as per ANI.
Kishan reflected on the Namibia match, saying that despite the surface being flat, the ball initially held up, requiring him and Sanju Samson to carefully choose their moments. Kishan also spoke openly about his personal development after leading Jharkhand to their first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy victory.
“I think I am a changed man now… earlier I used to joke around 24x7, but now it is just two-three hours. I am focusing more on batting and my wicket-keeping,” Kishan said.
Kishan emphasized that preparation is still process-driven while acknowledging the significance of the next match against Pakistan.
“Pakistan clash, obviously, it would be a special one for everyone… once we get there, we look at the wicket and just play accordingly,” he said.
(ANI inputs)