In a boost for Indian cricket fans, Ishan Kishan is poised for international redemption in Nagpur. Captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed the wicketkeeper-batter’s inclusion in the first T20I against New Zealand, slotting him at number three—a tactical masterstroke given his versatility.
Kishan’s purple patch in domestic arenas and IPL has earned him this shot, despite Sanju Samson’s keeper precedence. Tilak Varma’s injury for the initial games paved the way, with Shreyas Iyer stepping in but unlikely to displace the red-hot Kishan.
Digging into numbers, Kishan has aggregated 103 runs in seven T20I innings versus NZ, averaging 14.71 without a fifty. However, his overall T20I haul of 796 runs from 32 matches, laced with six fifties, speaks volumes of his class. Last playing in November 2023, he’s hungry to reclaim his spot.
This series isn’t just about bilateral bragging rights; it’s a stepping stone to the 2026 T20 World Cup. Kishan’s comeback embodies perseverance, and a strong showing could redefine his career trajectory. Nagpur’s atmosphere promises an electrifying start.