THIS former MI wicket-keeper batter set to bat at no.3 for India against…., name is…
Two years after being completely out of the national reckoning, Ishan Kishan is finally set to pull on the India jersey again. The left-hander will make his long-awaited return in the first T20I against New Zealand in Nagpur on Wednesday, marking his first appearance for India since November 2023.
Kishan’s comeback hasn’t come out of nowhere. He forced the selectors’ hand with a stellar run in domestic cricket, playing a key role in Jharkhand’s title-winning campaign at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last month. His form, combined with the team’s need for balance ahead of the T20 World Cup, earned him a surprise recall, one that even saw vice-captain Shubman Gill left out of the squad.
The opportunity has opened up further due to Tilak Varma’s injury, and captain Suryakumar Yadav has now confirmed Kishan’s place in the XI and his role.
“Ishan will play at No. 3 tomorrow,” Surya said on Tuesday.
The decision also meant Shreyas Iyer, who was brought into the squad as Tilak’s replacement, will have to wait. Surya was clear about the thinking behind the call.
“We picked Ishan first for the World Cup team, so it’s only fair that he gets the chance first. He hasn’t played for India in a long time and deserves this opportunity. With Tilak unavailable, we feel Ishan is our best bet at No. 3,” he explained.
What about Surya’s own position?
While Kishan slots in at No. 3, Suryakumar’s own role remains unchanged, at least for now. The India skipper has been going through a lean patch, enduring a rare slump that’s seen him go 22 innings without a 50-plus score in international cricket. There was speculation that a move up the order could help him rediscover his rhythm, but Surya ruled out any permanent change.
“There’s no change for me,” he said, adding that he would only move to No. 3 if the match situation demands a right-hander.
Despite the lack of runs, Surya sounded calm and self-aware. He revealed that the past month has been about reconnecting with his game while staying true to the team’s template ahead of the World Cup.
“I’m still batting in the nets the way I always have,” he said. “I’ve been out of runs, but I can’t change my identity. What I’ve done over the last three or four years has given me a lot of success. If performances come, great. If not, it’s back to the drawing board.”
Big Series, Bigger Implications
The five-match home series against New Zealand is India’s final full rehearsal before the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. For Ishan Kishan, it’s a chance to cement his place after a long road back. For Surya, it’s about trusting the process and finding form at the right time.