Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has applauded Ishan Kishan for making the most of his chance at the top of the order in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against Namibia as well. While stating that he felt Kishan would score a century, he also shared that Ishan Kishan played a key role in taking India to a good total. Notably, Kishan smashed 61 runs off 24 balls as well.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, ‘Aakash Chopra,’ he said, “You get only one chance, and you have to make it big. The USA match had already gone bad for you. You didn’t score runs. Of course, you scored runs against New Zealand, but runs weren’t scored in the previous World Cup either. When he came here after not scoring runs in the first match and Abhishek Sharma wasn’t there with him, I requested with folded hands that Ishan Kishan should score runs.”

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“He got a chance as well, when he was given out. He reviewed it immediately, and I thanked DRS. It had hit the inside edge of the bat, and then he hit three consecutive sixes. He was brilliant. While he lasted, he was playing like a million dollars. I felt he would score a century. Ishan Kishan made the most of his opportunity this time and he had a massive contribution in taking India beyond 200,” he again added.

However, Aakash Chopra said that it was important for Ishan Kishan to score runs before India’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against Pakistan.

“Ishan Kishan scoring runs was extremely necessary. If you score runs, we and you will get the confidence. We can actually walk into the game with a bit more authority. Suryakumar Yadav said at the toss that Abhishek Sharma might not be available for one or two matches. My heart started palpitating. Will Abhishek not be there against Pakistan? I got a little worried,” he said.

“So I watched attentively how Sanju Samson would play. He hit three sixes, looked in better form if you compare it to the New Zealand series. The opening partnership is extremely important because when we play against Pakistan, the powerplay will decide where the match will go. If you score 60 runs in the powerplay, and since it’s going to be a 160-run game, then you will be able to control the things, and you won’t struggle against spin. However, if wickets fall in the powerplay, and two batters who don’t have form go, you get worried. When we scored 86 runs in the powerplay and 100 runs in 6.5 overs, suddenly you felt we were ahead in the game,” Aakash Chopra concluded.