The task could obviously have been tougher for Ishan Kishan if he had faced a few more overs of pace after Pakistan reduced India to 66/4 in the 15th over in Saturday's Asia Cup marquee clash in Pallekele.

That let-off from Pakistan though doesn't take one bit of credit away from the left-handed keeper-batsman.

Agreed, he scored a good part of those runs against some mediocre bowling by the Pakistan spinners, who conceded 133 runs off 21 overs. Yet, Kishan's 82 off 81 balls batting at No.5 — and outside the top four for the first time in his ODI career — stands out as he got those runs when India were under immense pressure.

A tight situation gets doubly difficult in a high-octane encounter like the one against Pakistan. That's where Kishan's credit lies, making his innings all the more special.

"It was a very sensible innings from Ishan Kishan. This guy is very smart," former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar said on Instagram.

"Along with his and Hardik Pandya’s aggressive shots, you also need to look at their strike rotation and running between the wickets to pick up the ones and twos (during their 138-run fifth-wicket stand)," Shoaib added.

What also seems to have impressed the current selection committee most about Kishan is his maturity and the overall progress he has made as a batsman. He now appears more at ease on the off side too, driving and cutting well instead of relying on a predominantly on-side game.

Kishan's shot selection, too, has undergone improvement and he is picking the right balls to go for his strokes, which was also one of the features of his knock against Pakistan.

Kishan would of course like to make another important contribution if he gets a chance to bat in India's final group-phase game against Nepal in Pallekele on Monday.

Moreover, his success at No.5 bodes really well for the Indian middle order. Alongside strengthening the middle order, it would also keep the other batsmen on their toes.

In Monday's game, India will have to do without Jasprit Bumrah, who's out of the contest due to personal reasons. The senior pacer though is expected to be back for the Super Four stage of the competition.

After the washout on Saturday, the forecast for Monday in Pallekele isn’t too inspiring either. But even if the rains play spoilsport again, it will only help India to advance as Nepal were thrashed by Pakistan in the tournament opener last week.