Surprising inclusion of Ishan Kishan in Team India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad has become the talking point of the town.
The winning captain of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025-26, who led his team Jharkhand to its first-ever championship title, had a remarkable run with the bat this season.
Soon after the announcement, Ishan opened up on his excitement to make a comeback into the national side after a 2-year gap. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a bold decision to exclude the vice-captain Shubman Gill and wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma from the squad.
Also Read: BPL 2025-26: Did BCB arrange for a Short Opening Ceremony Ahead of the First Match?
‘Feeling Very Happy’: Ishan Kishan After Squad Announcement
Speaking about his return to the Indian team, Ishan Kishan shared his joyful moment and acknowledged the Jharkhand team’s effort for their maiden triumph in SMAT:
“Yeah! Right now, I am feeling very happy (about returning to the Indian squad). Also, I am happy for the collective effort of my domestic team, Jharkhand, on winning their first-ever SMAT trophy. Every player in the squad gave their best and played very well,” the left-handed batter said.
Ishan, who lastly played for India during the South African tour in 2023, opted for a break in the middle of the series, citing mental fatigue as the main reason. Also, his lack of interest in participating in the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 forced the BCCI to exclude him from the central contract list.
However, the young cricketer didn’t give up and worked hard with determination to secure his spot back into the Indian side.
BCCI Chief Selector Supports Ishan Kishan’s Selection
Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector of BCCI, backed Ishan Kishan’s selection in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026:
“See! Having been in good form, Ishan has often batted at the top order in white ball cricket. Given his experience playing for India, he can prove to be a reliable batter. As Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant were ahead of him, he wasn’t able to secure a spot in the Indian team. We believe a wicketkeeper-batter at the top order can enhance the balance and solidity of the team,” Agarkar said.
‘He Deserves Respect’: Ishan Kishan’s Former Teammate’s Opinion
Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin outlines the importance of Ishan Kishan’s return to India’s 20-over squad:
“Definitely! Cricket has given a perfect gift to Ishan. Even though outsiders might view it as an unfair opportunity, people within the circle can understand the real reason behind it.
Mainly, Ishan wasn’t a part of the team for the past couple of years, and now he has made a great comeback. The fact is that he has given an immense level of respect to the cricket it deserves. In return, cricket gave him a perfect gift.
A player of Ishan Kishan’s caliber came to play the Buchi Babu tournament in Chennai for Jharkhand. Since then, he has been there to represent Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy, where he was at the top position.
Subsequently, he played well in first-class cricket. Recently, he led Jharkhand to glory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and delivered a top-notch performance.
It is about Ishan Kishan as a cricketer rather than an individual, who walked the hard miles in cricket, honored the game, and rose to success,” Ashwin said while speaking on his official YouTube channel.
Former Indian Batter Questioned Ishan Kishan’s Selection
Wasim Jaffer, the former batter of the Indian cricket team, questioned selectors on why Ishan Kishan was included rather than priortizing other talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jitesh Sharma:
“See! Why not prefer Jaiswal and Jitesh? I would have preferred them in place of Ishan and Washington.
With Axar Patel named as the team’s vice-captain, he would definitely play, and there won’t be any options for Washington to play ahead of Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav. While Jitesh hasn’t done anything wrong, Yashasvi’s inclusion doesn’t require any explanation as he deserves the priority,” Jaffer voiced his opinion by sharing a post on his X handle.
Ishan Kishan’s Performance in SMAT 2025-26
In 10 innings, Ishan Kishan scored 517 runs, averaging 57.44, which includes two centuries and two fifties each. He concluded as the top run scorer of the season after playing a magnificent knock of 101 runs from 49 balls (including 6 fours and 10 sixes) against Haryana in the final.
His recent form in domestic tournaments prompted selectors to prioritize his inclusion over the vice-captain, Shubman Gill, who has been sidelined from the squad due to injury and poor form.
Final Thoughts
Ishan Kishan getting selection for the T20 World Cup 2026 was primarily based on his current batting form, and his ability to adapt as a top-order and middle-order batter is a big advantage. His aggression and intent to score runs add more depth to the batting line-up.
Despite not being an active 20-over player for more than two years in international cricket, the left-handed batter continues to receive support for his selection in the T20 World Cup 2026. At the same time, there are mixed opinions as a few former cricketers and experts suggest other talented players over him.
