Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan struck a commanding 80 to propel India to 169 at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, before India's bowlers bundled out Sri Lanka for just 45 in the semi-finals of the Asian Games cricket tournament on 1 October. The victory sets up a gold medal final against Pakistan, scheduled for Saturday.

Kishan on the Emotion of Playing for a Medal

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Kishan was candid about the heightened emotional stakes of Asian Games cricket compared to regular international fixtures. 'To be very honest, I was thinking about this and it does make a difference in your heart, at least, when you're playing for India, especially when it's about the medal. It's not just a thing where you're related to the BCCI — it's always about India here,' he said.

Kishan noted that the sight of flags and the roar of supporters created a palpable internal pressure, even if players do not display it outwardly. '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 and batters. But still, I feel there's a bit of more pressure here, to be very honest,' he added.

Batting Strategy on a Cracked Pitch

The Nisshin surface carried visible cracks and tested every batter, yet Kishan anchored India's innings with clarity of purpose. He set an early target of crossing 150 as a baseline, given India's formidable spin attack, and stressed that a set batter needed to remain at the crease for the full 20 overs.

'You target, when you go in, you do know how much total is needed on this kind of wicket, especially having those spinners in your side, you need to at least get 150 odd runs on this pitch to just be on the safer side,' Kishan explained. He added that asking a fresh batter to hit out immediately on such a surface is extremely difficult, making it critical for the set batter to accumulate big runs.

Rejecting the 'Lottery' Narrative

When asked whether unpredictable conditions make a high-stakes final feel like a toss of the coin, Kishan pushed back firmly. 'No, it actually doesn't. Cricket is all about, you get out in one good ball and it just changes the whole scenario of the game. So you have to be very aware of the situation, what the pitch is going to do, what you are planning to do, what the team requires,' he said. He emphasised team goals over individual milestones on such surfaces, saying individual records take a back seat when conditions are demanding.

India vs Pakistan Final: Keeping It Simple

With a gold medal clash against Pakistan looming on Saturday, Kishan said the squad's mantra is composure and simplicity. 'You just don't think like what's going to happen after two days. You just keep calm, you play your shots, you are in the moment and just enjoy those crunch moments,' he said. He acknowledged that Pakistan is also a spinner-friendly team, adding another layer of tactical complexity to the final.

Japan Hospitality and Indian Diaspora Support

Away from the cricketing drama, Kishan was effusive in his praise for the warmth shown by local organisers, volunteers, and ordinary Japanese citizens despite a language barrier. 'I've seen all the locals here trying to help us get to wherever we want to go, trying to be on their toes and help us with whatever we need,' he said, adding — with a touch of humour — that he had already decided to visit Japan with his family after marriage.

He was equally grateful to the large Indian diaspora turning up across venues. 'Wherever we go in this world, Indian supporters are always there and we always have that extra bit of backing,' Kishan said, thanking every fan who travelled to support the team regardless of the result. India now stands one win away from an Asian Games cricket gold medal.