T20 World Cup 2026: Odia coach who shaped Ishan Kishan’s fearless masterclass against arch-rival Pakistan

When explosive batter Ishan Kishan tore into Pakistan’s bowling attack with a blistering 77 off just 40 balls in the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash in the T20 World Cup on Sunday, it was not just a triumph for Team India. It was also a proud moment for his former Odia coach, Ajit Mishra, who played a key role in shaping the explosive opener’s early cricketing journey.

Long before Kishan became India’s match-winner on the global stage, he was a young aspirant honing his skills under Mishra at a cricket academy in Patna. The Odia coach helped him master the basics, refine his technique, and build the fearless mindset that would later define his batting. Years later, that foundation stood tall under World Cup pressure.

Just two months ago, Kishan was not even in India’s World Cup scheme. His comeback during the New Zealand series changed everything. Grabbing the opportunity with both hands, he delivered consistent performances that earned him a direct entry into the World Cup squad and eventually a starring role against arch-rival Pakistan.

In the much-anticipated clash, Pakistan’s strategy was evident from the outset. Abhishek Sharma was their primary target. The bowlers laid a clever trap with short balls and slower deliveries, forcing the aggressive opener into a false stroke. Abhishek departed for a duck after facing four deliveries, giving Pakistan early momentum.

But what followed was 'out of syllabus' for the Men in Green. Walking in with intent, Kishan counter-attacked ferociously. Batting first, India needed someone to absorb the pressure and shift the momentum and Kishan delivered in spectacular fashion. He unleashed authoritative pull shots and elegant cover drives, dismantling Pakistan’s plans and disrupting their line and length.

Also Read: India vs Pakistan: Ishan Kishan creates history, becomes first Indian opener since 2007 to hit 50

Boundaries flowed freely as he capitalised on every scoring opportunity. His fearless stroke play not only steadied India after the early setback but also provided the perfect platform for a competitive total. The left-handed opener played a scintillating knock of 77 runs off 40 deliveries at a remarkable strike rate of 192.50, hammering 10 fours and three sixes before being dismissed. His explosive innings set the tone for India’s dominance in one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.

For Ajit Mishra, watching his former ward rise to the occasion on such a grand stage would have been deeply satisfying. The foundations laid years ago in Patna had blossomed into a World Cup masterclass, proving once again that behind every big performance lies the guidance of a dedicated mentor.

"The Indian team is stronger than Pakistan in the T20 format. Our batting line-up is very solid. There was an expectation that if either Ishan Kishan or Abhishek Sharma scored well, India would definitely post a competitive total. Although Abhishek was dismissed cheaply, Ishan took responsibility and played a mature innings. There was considerable turn on the wicket, and Ishan curbed his natural attacking instincts to build the innings gradually. Given the way India started, it seemed they would easily cross the 200-run mark. However, 175 turned out to be a good score on that surface. As Ishan’s coach, it was a proud moment for me to watch his brilliant knock. Since childhood, Ishan had been keen on playing lofted shots, influenced by the rise of T20 cricket. However, during his early training days, we did not allow him to play such shots freely. He has always been an excellent timer of the ball," said Ishan Kishan's childhood coach, Ajit Mishra.

"I was transferred from Bhubaneswar to Patna in 2004, when Ishan was just six years old. Both Ishan and his elder brother trained under my guidance. Despite his short height at the time, he was a very good wicketkeeper. He was explosive, agile, and distinctly different from other players. Being a left-hander was an added advantage for him. Ishan was passionate about cricket from a very young age. He began playing his junior cricket for Jharkhand. His dedication, natural talent, and the unwavering support of his parents have played a crucial role in shaping him into the cricketer he is today," he added.