The recent T20 World Cup match against Pakistan saw Ishan Kishan deliver a pivotal performance, with his marked improvement in off-side stroke play being a central theme in his success. This shift in his batting approach is credited with not only securing a crucial victory for India but also solidifying their progression to the Super 8 stage.

Context
India secured a significant 61-run victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, advancing to the Super 8 stage of the tournament. The match, held at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, was played on a challenging pitch that favored spinners. Pakistan, chasing India's score of 175, was dismissed for 114 in 18 overs. Ishan Kishan was instrumental in India's total, scoring 77 runs off 40 balls and was named Man of the Match. This win extended India's dominant record against Pakistan in T20 World Cups to 8-1.
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Evidence
Kishan himself has spoken about the deliberate work he has put into developing his off-side game.

He noted scoring 25 runs off nine balls on the off side during his innings against Pakistan, a notable contrast to his traditional strength on the leg side.
Kishan stated his improved off-side range helped him create more scoring opportunities on the "slow, turning pitch."
Reports indicate that he has been working on his grip and making technical adjustments, transforming him into a "complete 360-degree batsman."
The Off-Side Transformation
Kishan's performance against Pakistan is highlighted by his effectiveness in playing shots to the off side, a departure from his previously perceived leg-side dominance.

On Sunday, Kishan demonstrated an ability to hit the ball into gaps on the off side, a tactic he attributes to the larger boundaries.
This strategic adaptation allowed him to exploit scoring opportunities even on a pitch where Pakistan bowled a significant amount of spin.
The development suggests a conscious effort to become a more versatile batsman, capable of playing all around the ground.
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Impact on India's Campaign
The timing of Kishan's improved batting prowess is significant for India's T20 World Cup aspirations.
His match-winning knock on a difficult surface proved crucial in setting a competitive total against Pakistan.
The victory not only secured vital points but also confirmed India's passage to the next stage of the tournament.
Kishan's performance validates months of technical work, transforming him into a more complete player for the team.
Beyond the Match: A Broader Context
Kishan's recent form and development appear to be part of a larger personal and professional journey.
He has previously spoken about working on his mindset during breaks from the game, aiming to become a stronger individual.
There are observations of his renewed belief and hard work being key to his resurgence.
His ability to adapt and perform under pressure, even on challenging wickets, underscores his growth as a player.
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Expert Analysis
While direct quotes from external cricket analysts specifically on Kishan's off-side game in this particular match are not available in the provided data, the narrative surrounding his performance consistently points to this development as a key factor. The summaries indicate a shift in his playing style, with the success on the off side being a tangible outcome.
Conclusion
Ishan Kishan's performance against Pakistan marks a significant turning point, demonstrating the successful integration of his enhanced off-side game into his batting repertoire. This strategic development not only contributed directly to India's victory and qualification for the Super 8s but also signifies his evolution into a more versatile and potent batsman. The evidence suggests that his continued dedication to refining his technique and approach is yielding substantial results on the international stage.
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Sources Used
ESPN: https://www.espn.in/cricket/story//id/47939207/ishan-kishan-says-worked-lot-side-game-match-winning-innings-pakistan
Crictips: https://crictips.com/news/kishan-reveals-off-side-work-key-to-demolishing-pakistan-206200/
Cricbuzz: https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/137689/aiming-for-the-off-side-stars-inside-ishan-kishans-india-comeback-india-cricket-icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-cricbuzzcom
The Economic Times: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/ind-vs-pak-live-score-t20-world-cup-2026-india-vs-pakistan-national-cricket-team-scorecard-commentary-today-match-live-streaming-suryakumar-yadav-hardik-pandya-salman-agha/liveblog/128380732.cms
India Today: https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/ishan-kishan-cinderella-man-comeback-india-vs-new-zealand-2857042-2026-01-24
The Hindu: https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/ishan-kishan-20-finding-better-self-than-worrying-about-twenty20-world-cup-place/article68057467.ece
NDTV Sports: https://sports.ndtv.com/icc-cricket-world-cup-2023/during-the-world-cup-when-i-wasnt-playing-ishan-kishan-on-time-in-sidelines-how-it-changed-him-4601712
Inside Sport India: https://www.insidesport.in/cricket/theres-no-point-trying-to-prove-anything-ishan-kishan-mi-vs-rcb-bcci-contract-post-match-press-conference/