IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026: Ishan Kishan Surpasses Coach Gautam Gambhir, Misses Virat Kohli’s Record

India's bold selection call paid off in spectacular fashion as Ishan Kishan produced a memorable innings against Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo during the T20 World Cup 2026 clash. Picked ahead of Shubman Gill, the left-handed opener justified the faith of the selectors with a stunning display under pressure in one of cricket's fiercest rivalries.

In the high-intensity encounter, Kishan's attacking 77 reshaped the record books of India-Pakistan T20 Internationals and placed him among the rivalry's most notable individual performers.

Kishan Moves Ahead Of Gambhir In Historic Rivalry

Kishan's knock carried historic significance. His 77 overtook Gautam Gambhir's famous 75 from the 2007 World T20 final in Johannesburg, an innings that had stood as one of India's defining performances against Pakistan for nearly two decades.

The aggressive opener attacked the Pakistan pace attack from the outset, adapting quickly to Colombo's humid conditions and maintaining India's scoring tempo. His innings pushed Gambhir down to fifth place on the all-time list of highest individual scores in India-Pakistan T20Is.

Kohli's Record Remains Untouched

Despite dominating the bowling attack, Kishan narrowly missed entering the very top tier. He was closing in on Virat Kohli's iconic 82 not out from the 2022 Melbourne thriller, widely regarded as one of the greatest T20 knocks ever.

He also came within touching distance of Kohli's 78 not out in Colombo in 2012 before being bowled by Saim Ayub at 77.

Highest individual scores in India vs Pakistan T20Is:

82* Virat Kohli, Melbourne 2022

79* Mohammad Rizwan, Dubai 2021

78* Virat Kohli, Colombo (RPS) 2012

77 Ishan Kishan, Colombo (RPS) 2026

75 Gautam Gambhir, Johannesburg 2007

A Fast-Scoring Impactful Knock

Kishan's innings stood out for its tempo. He scored rapidly and ensured India's run rate hovered around 10 runs per over, preventing Pakistan from gaining control during the middle overs.

His strokeplay included confident drives, pulls and clean hitting over the infield, turning the pressure back onto the bowlers in a match where momentum constantly threatened to swing.

Early Blow For India

India's start, however, was far from ideal. Returning world No. 1 batter Abhishek Sharma was dismissed in the opening over for a four-ball duck. Playing his first match after missing two games due to a stomach issue, the left-hander was removed by Pakistan captain Salman Agha.

After the early setback, Kishan's counterattack steadied the innings and ensured India recovered quickly in a match carrying massive stakes and expectations.