T20 World Cup 2026: How Ishan Kishan stormed back into Team India

A blistering Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 campaign, capped by a record-breaking final, has turned Ishan Kishan’s fortunes around, earning the Jharkhand captain a surprise recall to India’s T20 World Cup squad after two years.

Ishan Kishan, known for his fearless and attacking batting style, is back in the spotlight. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand has become a major talking point after a sensational run in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, performances that ultimately forced Team India selectors to take notice.

Kishan’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad came as a surprise to many. Very few expected his name to feature in the final list. However, the selection committee closely observed his consistency, impact, and match-winning ability, and rewarded him with a recall. Along with strengthening the top order, Kishan has been picked as India’s second wicketkeeper, finally fulfilling his long-standing World Cup dream.

The defining moment came in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 final, held at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Leading Jharkhand, Kishan produced a breathtaking innings, smashing a century in just 45 balls. He eventually scored 101 runs off 49 deliveries, striking at an astonishing 206 strike rate. This knock marked his second century of the tournament, underlining his red-hot form.

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Against a strong Haryana bowling attack, Kishan was ruthless. He hammered 10 massive sixes and 6 boundaries, dominating the bowlers from start to finish. Notably, 84 of his runs came while standing his ground at the crease, highlighting his clean hitting and confidence.

The tournament numbers further explain the selectors’ decision. In the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali T20, Kishan finished as the highest run-scorer with 517 runs, topping the charts. He was also the most destructive batter in terms of power-hitting, smashing 33 sixes, more than Punjab’s Salil Arora (28 sixes) and Abhishek Sharma (26 sixes).

What added weight to his performance was the presence of selectors RP Singh and Pragyan Ojha, who watched the Jharkhand vs Haryana clash in Pune from the stands. Kishan’s explosive batting unfolded right in front of them. Observers noted that the selectors left the stadium quietly, with Kishan’s bat doing all the talking.

In recent months, Team India selectors have been personally attending domestic T20 matches. After witnessing Kishan dismantle bowling attacks throughout the tournament, they strongly pushed his name for T20 World Cup selection, insisting before the BCCI that his current form could not be ignored.

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AIn what can truly be called a career-changing innings, Kishan’s fortunes turned in a single night. After nearly two years away from the Indian team, the Jharkhand wicketkeeper has made a powerful comeback.