Ishan Kishan is one of the most unforgettable recent returns by a wicketkeeper-batter in Indian cricket after having to endure the inevitable ups and downs that accompany all cricket careers, which culminated with a successful International comeback, with great improvement in Domestic cricket and a successful International performance. Prior to Kishan succeeding nationally, he had come off Central Contracts after underperforming domestically. Following an extraordinary performance in the T20I series against New Zealand, Ishan has returned to the International cricketing fold, with an epic match-winning innings and securing his place on India's squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. As a result, through resilience, courage, and reinvention, Kishan's everything about his re-emergence has driven him to develop into a world-class player for India and added to India's goal of establishing dominance in white-ball competitions.
From Bench to Bold Return: The Context Behind the Comeback
Ishan Kishan last represented India in a T20 international in November 2023 before a long absence ensued. Following that stint against Australia, he found himself on the outside looking in — omitted from subsequent international assignments despite flashes of talent and potential, largely due to inconsistency and fierce competition from other keeper-batters in India’s deep pool.
During this period, Kishan’s name also disappeared from the BCCI central contracts list a clear sign he had slipped down the pecking order. He had missed domestic commitments as well, forcing selectors to make tough calls around his availability and form.
But instead of fading away, Kishan went back to the grind playing domestic tournaments, rediscovering his hunger for runs, and building a case he hoped selectors couldn’t ignore.
Wheel of Fortune: Domination in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
The turning point in Kishan’s revival was his spectacular 2025/26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) campaign, where he led Jharkhand to their first-ever title while emerging as the tournament’s top scorer with a staggering 517 runs in 10 innings at an average of 57.44 and a strike rate north of 197.
He also struck two centuries and two fifties, showing a blend of aggression and consistency seldom seen in domestic T20 cricket. His commanding century in the final helped Jharkhand clinch the title and placed him firmly back in the national selectors’ spotlight.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, reflecting on Kishan’s journey, emphasised that his resurgence was not down to luck but rather “respect for the game and a commitment to grind through domestic cricket.” Such endorsements from respected voices amplify the narrative of a return earned, not given.
Hearing Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav talk about their journey and return reminds us that setbacks don’t define you – mindset does 🇮🇳❤️ pic.twitter.com/oG5ONKWaOZ
— Rambo Reports (@rambo_real54) January 24, 2026
Selection Crown: Into the T20 World Cup Squad
On the back of this dominant domestic season, Kishan’s name was announced in the India squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and scheduled from early February 2026. He was named as the reserve opener and second wicketkeeper, a role that signals the selectors’ faith in his match-winning capabilities and versatility at the top of the order.
Interestingly, the selection came alongside the omission of Shubman Gill, another big name, which caught headlines and highlighted the fluidity and performance-driven nature of India’s team selection across formats.
Statement Performance: Raipur Heroics
Kishan didn’t just make it into the squad — he validated his selection emphatically.
In the second T20I against New Zealand in Raipur on January 23, 2026, Kishan produced a blistering 76 off just 32 balls, rescuing India from early trouble and guiding them to a seven-wicket victory. This innings, coming in his first full opportunity in more than 780 days, was both a personal vindication and a strong signal of intent to the world.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav also starred, and the pair’s performances underlined India’s batting depth and aggressive DNA.
Kishan himself has been candid about the mental challenge of the hiatus, admitting he repeatedly asked himself: “Can I do it again or not?” The emphatic answer he delivered with bat in hand offered a compelling bookend to that question.
The Mental Test: Beyond Runs and Records
Behind the numbers lies a narrative of introspection and mental strength. During his long absence from the national side, Kishan openly acknowledged struggling with confidence and clarity about his game. He admitted that domestic cricket became a necessary proving ground rather than a fallback — a place to answer his own doubts and solidify his technique and mindset.
That kind of introspective journey — confronting doubt, rebuilding confidence, and mastering one’s mental approach — is often what distinguishes players who return stronger from those who return briefly. Kishan’s story resonates precisely because it reflects a candid confrontation with professional and personal challenges.
What This Means for India’s T20 World Cup Hopes
Kishan’s resurgence adds valuable layers to India’s T20 World Cup plans:
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Versatile Top Order: With Kishan’s left-handed firepower and ability to bat aggressively from the outset, India gains valuable flexibility in the powerplay.
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Keeper-Batter Balance: His dual role adds strategic depth, easing selection pressures around specialist batters and keeper options.
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Form Over Reputation: His selection underscores India’s current selection philosophy — rewarding form, fitness, and mental resilience over pedigree alone.
In a World Cup where every match and moment matters, Kishan’s presence offers India not just firepower but a psychological edge — a reminder that setbacks can fuel comebacks.
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Looking Ahead: Consolidation and Opportunity
While the T20 format has often been Kishan’s strongest suit, his return opens doors for potential expansion into 50-over plans and ODI discussions if he continues to score consistently. With the World Cup around the corner and India hosting much of the tournament, this is a moment for Kishan to cement his legacy — not just as a comeback story, but as a match-winner for India at the highest level.
Conclusion
Ishan Kishan’s comeback to the Indian cricket team is more than a selection headline — it is a testament to relentless form, mental recalibration, and domestic cricket’s role as a crucible for reinvention. From being out of favour and absent from the central contracts roster to blasting a match-winning half-century and landing in the T20 World Cup squad, Kishan’s journey embodies resilience and opportunity. With eyes firmly set on global success, he now stands poised to help India chase cricketing glory once again.
