Former Indian batter turned analyst Mohammad Kaif applauded Ishan Kishan’s bat swing and the ability to access the leg side, like Virat Kohli, after the fifth and final T20I against the West Indies. In a rain-hit nine-over contest, Ishan came out all guns blazing, scoring 30 off 10 deliveries as well, with three boundaries and two maximums, helping India reach 118/5 in 7.4 overs, before rain stopped the play.

Kaif said on Cricbuzz: “The same ball Abhishek Sharma got out to today, Ishan Kishan was smashing for sixes. With balls that are tight on his body, he has great access with his bat swing, similar to Virat Kohli. He has great access on the on-side. The way he has improved over the last two years, I feel that whoever the bowler is, he’ll smash him for a six with a flick on the leg side if that’s the line.”

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Mohammad Kaif also believes Ishan Kishan has become a big-match player over the past year. He recently scored a stunning 270 in the 2026 Duleep Trophy final, helping East Zone clinch the title as well.

“I am noting this quality in Ishan Kishan: he is becoming a big-match player. Today was a decider, so he upped his game from the normal matches. He’s No.1 in the ICC rankings because he makes an impact in big matches. I’ve been observing this since the 2026 T20 World Cup. He scored in the crucial Pakistan match and in the final. The last one to two years have been going brilliantly for him. Since his comeback, he is showing more courage. Apart from technique, his game awareness and clarity have also improved,” Mohammad Kaif concluded.