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Ishan Kishan's Comeback Joy: How a Record SMAT Run Earned T20 World Cup Spot

Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan is thrilled to be back in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup. His selection comes on the back of a phenomenal domestic season where he was the top run-scorer. The squad sees a notable change with Shubman Gill being dropped from the T20 setup. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team, with the selectors looking at different combinations at the top of the order.

Key Points: Ishan Kishan Expresses Delight on India T20 World Cup Squad Return

  • Ishan Kishan returns as second wicketkeeper after last playing a T20I in late 2023
  • He top-scored in SMAT with 517 runs, leading Jharkhand to their first title
  • Chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited alternative top-order combinations for Shubman Gill's omission
  • Suryakumar Yadav to captain the 15-man squad with Axar Patel as vice-captain
2 min read

Very Happy: Ishan Kishan expresses delight on his comeback in Indian squad for T20 World Cup

Ishan Kishan returns to India's T20 World Cup squad after a stellar Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, replacing Shubman Gill. Read his reaction and full squad details.

"I am very happy. Also very happy for my domestic team, Jharkhand, on winning their maiden SMAT trophy! - Ishan Kishan"

Patna, December 20

India's wicketkeeper/batter Ishan Kishan expressed his delight on his comeback in the Indian squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Suryakumar Yadav will lead a 15-man squad in the upcoming T20 World Cup, with Shubman Gill, who has been the vice-captain of the T20I team, dropped amid fitness and form concerns, and Axar Patel returning to deputy duties.

Kishan returns to the side as a second wicketkeeper-batter choice on the back of a title-winning campaign for Jharkhand in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) recently, where he also emerged as the top run-getter.

While speaking to ANI, Ishan Kishan said, "I am very happy. Also very happy for my domestic team, Jharkhand, on winning their maiden SMAT trophy! Everyone played really well!"

Ishan, who had a marvellous SMAT 2025/26 campaign with Jharkhand, leading them to their first-ever SMAT title, has returned to the side after last playing a T20I against Australia in late 2023.

He top-scored in SMAT with 517 runs in 10 innings at 57.44, including two centuries and two fifties, including a century in the final against Haryana, and striking at over 197.

The team was announced by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia at the board's headquarters on Saturday, in the presence of captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

Speaking at the news conference, Agarkar said Gill missed out because India was considering alternative combinations at the top of the order. The Chief Selector also reiterated that Gill was a champion player.

India's squad for T20 World Cup 2026 and New Zealand T20I series: Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-capt), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (wk).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Happy for him, but dropping Shubman Gill? That's a huge call. He's been our future captain. Hope this doesn't affect his confidence long-term. The selectors are being ruthless.
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Priya S
Well deserved! Performance in domestic cricket should always be the primary criteria. Ishan worked on his game, led his state to a title, and got rewarded. Perfect. More players should take this route.
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Rohit P
Good to see him back. We need that left-handed firepower at the top. But honestly, the squad looks a bit light on experience? So many new faces. Hope SKY can handle the pressure of captaincy with this group.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, I have to question the balance. Where is the backup for Bumrah? Harshit Rana is talented but very new. The bowling looks thin if we have an injury. Hope the think tank has a plan.
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Kavya N
His humility is so refreshing! First thing he did was credit his Jharkhand team. That's the spirit we need. Wishing him and the entire squad all the best for the World Cup! Bring it home, boys! 🏆

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