Mastering Pressure: Ishan Kishan’s Guide to Finals Success in SMAT 2025-26

Ishan Kishan is well-versed in performing under pressure. Leading Jharkhand in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final, he emphasizes to his teammates the importance of remaining calm and focused on executing their game plan.

Ishan has been a standout performer, amassing 416 runs in 10 matches. As Jharkhand aims for its first title, Ishan believes that managing pressure will be crucial against Haryana. “There’s definitely some pressure, but staying calm and keeping nerves in check is essential. We need to assess the game’s progress and adjust accordingly,” Ishan stated on Wednesday.

“Haryana has also had a strong T20 tournament and has been playing excellent cricket in recent years, so pressure situations might arise. We must remain calm and confident in our abilities because, in T20s, just one over can change the game’s dynamics,” he added.

Ishan’s primary goal will be to maximize runs during the PowerPlay, while also focusing on seizing critical moments in the game.

Haryana captain Ankit Kumar shares a similar approach. “Having lost two of our three league games, every match has felt like a knockout for us, and we’ll approach the final with the same mindset,” he remarked.

“Winning the Vijay Hazare Trophy a couple of seasons ago and now reaching the SMAT final is a fantastic feeling. Our aim is to play our natural game and achieve our dream of winning a major title,” he continued. “Given the high-scoring matches here, we aim to capitalize on the PowerPlay and score as much as possible. My personal motto is to trust myself and play my shots.”

This strategy has proven successful so far, and Ankit hopes it will continue to be effective in the final.

Published on Dec 17, 2025.