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India National Cricket Team wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan is not worried about the pressure of facing the Pakistan National Cricket Team in the Asian Games 2026 gold medal match. Ishan Kishan said that he is ready for the medal clash after his match-winning knock in the semifinal.
However, at the same time, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter also admitted that the defending champions can’t take the Sahibzada Farhan-led Pakistan side lightly in the final. Earlier, Gautam Gambhir hints at extended run for Auqib Nabi in ODIs.
India storm into Asian Games 2026 Final after crushing Sri Lanka by 124 runs
India stormed into the Asian Games 2026 gold medal match with a massive 124-run win over Sri Lanka in the second semi-final on October 1, thanks to Ishan Kishan’s stunning unbeaten 80 on the tough pitch. His knock helped India post 169/7 in 20 overs.
Later, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Abhishek Sharma took two wickets each as Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 45 inside 10 overs in the semifinal clash. Now, India is all set to face Pakistan in the final on Saturday, October 3, in Nisshin, and they will aim to defend the gold medal.
Ishan Kishan warns India about Pakistan’s spin attack ahead of Asian Games 2026 Final
After the match, Kishan said the key for India will be to stay calm and focus on the present instead of thinking too much about the Pakistan clash. He also pointed out that the Men in Green have a strong spin attack, and the conditions could again be challenging in Nisshin. Amid this, Rohit Sharma mentions Virat Kohli twice as he builds perfect ODI batter, Hardik Pandya also named.
Ishan Kishan said at the post-match press conference, “Just keeping it simple, you don't think so much. We played today, and we know the conditions are not going to be so easy. Especially, they are also a spinner-friendly team. At the same time, you know, you just don't think about what's going to happen after two days. You just keep calm, you play your shots, you be in the moment, and just enjoy those crunch moments.”
The left-handed batter admitted that playing for a gold medal brings an extra motivation and some additional pressure. Ishan added, “I was thinking about this, and it does make a difference in your heart, at least, you know, when you're playing for India, especially when it's about the medal. And it's not just about being related to BCCI. It's always about India here.”
Ishan Kishan opens up on different feeling before India vs Pakistan Gold Medal clash
With Indian flags everywhere and fans cheering loudly, the wicketkeeper-batter feels the Asian Games 2026 final should be an exciting one for both fans and players. The star batter added, “There are so many flags going around and so many people cheering for you.
So you get that feeling inside, though you don't show it. But yeah, I think you get that feeling like this is a different kind of thing. Even if we have a very good side and we have those bowlers, we have those batters. But still, I feel there's a bit more pressure here, to be very honest.”
The India-Pakistan clash will catch extra attention because of the strained relationship between the two nations. The players have not exchanged handshakes with each other since last year's Asia Cup, and it remains to be seen if that changes during the gold medal match.
