Ishan Kishan has made a remarkable comeback to the Indian cricket team, earning the player-of-the-match award in just his second appearance after a two-year hiatus. His return is marked not only by impressive performances but also by a strong mental resilience that saw him through challenges during his absence from the national setup. Kishan, who once faced the setback of being dropped and later removed from the BCCI central contracts list, turned adversity into motivation. He utilized his time away from international cricket to lead Jharkhand to a historic Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy victory, scoring 517 runs in the tournament at an impressive average of 57.44 and strike rate of 200.
In a thrilling match against New Zealand in Raipur, Kishan capitalized on his domestic form, scoring 76 runs off just 32 balls, which included a blistering 21-ball fifty. His aggressive batting style helped shift the momentum in India’s favor after an uncertain start in the chase. This performance reinforces India’s confidence as they head into the T20 World Cup starting February 7, with Kishan’s timing being crucial to the team’s preparations.
The first two matches of the series have showcased high-scoring encounters, highlighting India’s batting strength, although there remains room for adjustments, especially considering the impact of conditions like dew. Alongside Kishan, the attention will also fall on players like Sanju Samson, who is looking to regain form at the top of the order. As Kishan continues to perform at this level, it may prompt the team management to reassess their batting combinations moving forward, likely strengthening India’s lineup as they approach the World Cup. The positivity surrounding Kishan’s resurgence could be a boon for the team’s morale, offering hope for exciting cricket ahead.