India captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that Ishan Kishan will make his return to the national team in the first T20I against New Zealand on Wednesday, January 21, in Nagpur.
The left-handed batter will slot in at No. 3 for India in the series opener. Kishan last featured in a T20I for India on November 28, 2023, against Australia. After spending a prolonged period on the sidelines, the 27-year-old earned his recall on the back of consistent performances in domestic cricket.
Addressing the media ahead of the match, Suryakumar said Kishan deserved his opportunity, especially with Tilak Varma unavailable for the first three games of the series.
“Yes, Ishan will play at No. 3. He is part of our World Cup plans and that’s why he’s been picked in the squad. He hasn’t played for India for a long time, but he has been doing really well in domestic cricket. Given the situation, he deserves this chance,” Suryakumar said.
The India captain added that Kishan was the best option in Tilak’s absence. “If it was about No. 4 or No. 5, the situation might have been different. But unfortunately, Tilak isn’t available, and Ishan is the best option at No. 3,” he added.
Kishan forces his way back into India plans
Kishan played a key role in guiding Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title, delivering a stellar batting display throughout the tournament. He amassed 517 runs in 10 innings at an average of 57.44 and a strike rate of over 197.
He saved his best for the final against Haryana, smashing a scintillating 101 off just 49 balls. Leading from the front as captain, Kishan powered Jharkhand to a massive total of 262/3. His knock, studded with six fours and ten sixes, earned him the Player of the Match award in a dominant 69-run victory.
Kishan carried his red-hot form into the Vijay Hazare Trophy as well, hammering a 33-ball century against Karnataka. His performances were enough to impress the selectors, who backed him ahead of Shubman Gill in India’s plans for the T20 World Cup 2026.
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