Ishan Kishan has impressed everyone with his explosive batting, and former India batter Mohammad Kaif has now praised his special ability to hit big sixes on the leg side. Kaif compared Ishan Kishan’s batting skill with Virat Kohli and said the left-handed batter has improved a lot in the last two years.

The Indian wicketkeeper-batter’s powerful performance in the fifth and final T20I against the West Indies once again proved why he has become an important player for India in the format. The Bengaluru encounter was reduced to just nine overs because of rain.

Kishan smashed 30 runs off only 10 balls, including three fours and two sixes. His knock helped India reach 118/5 in 7.4 overs before rain stopped the match. As the game was abandoned, the five-match T20I series ended in a 2-2 draw with India and West Indies sharing the trophy on Saturday, October 17.

Mohammad Kaif finds Virat Kohli's batting touch in Ishan Kishan

After the T20I trophy was shared by India and the West Indies, Mohammad Kaif said that he was really impressed with Kishan’s ability to hit deliveries aimed at his body towards the leg side. The former Indian batter explained that Kishan uses his bat swing very well and can turn such balls into sixes with a flick, just like Virat Kohli used to do.

Kaif also pointed out that a delivery that got Abhishek Sharma out was smashed for six by Kishan, showing the difference in their approach. Amid this, Mohammed Shami suffers injury amid India comeback talks, misses Ranji match.

He pointed out that the Jharkhand wicketkeeper has developed the confidence and technique to attack almost any bowler when the ball is on his body. His batting has become more dangerous because he now understands his game better and knows when to attack.

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 one 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.”

Ishan Kishan is becoming a big-match player: Kaif

Kaif also believes that Kishan is becoming a big-match player. He feels the left-hander raises his performance level when the pressure is high, instead of playing at the same level in every match.

The former Indian batter added, “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.”

Ishan Kishan's comeback story impresses Mohammad Kaif

Kishan has made a remarkable comeback to the India national cricket team in 2026 after missing international cricket during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Since returning, he has shown greater confidence, courage, and control over his batting.

Kaif believes Kishan has improved not only his technique but also his game awareness and clarity. He signed off by saying, “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.”