India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav dropped a bombshell at the pre-match briefing in Nagpur: Ishan Kishan is back and will anchor the innings at number three against New Zealand. This marks the explosive batsman’s return after a 26-month international hiatus, fueled by consistent domestic heroics.
Kishan, who typically opens but has middle-order experience, faces no adaptation issues. His selection over other contenders, including injury-hit Tilak Varma, underscores his current form. Shreyas Iyer joins the squad as Varma’s replacement, but Kishan’s XI spot looks rock-solid.
Against the Black Caps, Kishan’s stats are modest—103 runs across seven outings at 14.71. Yet, his broader T20I ledger shines with 796 runs in 32 matches, featuring six half-centuries. His last game was in Guwahati against Australia in November 2023.
The Nagpur clash kicks off a crucial series, with eyes on the 2026 World Cup. Kishan’s journey from benchwarmer to confirmed starter highlights resilience in Indian cricket’s cutthroat selection battles. Can he turn his NZ record around? The Vidarbha crowd awaits.