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Ishan Kishan reacts as his long wait ends with ICC T20 World Cup 2026 selection

cricketaddictor.com NaN days ago
Ishan Kishan worsens the dilemma for Ajit Agarkar ahead of selections for the South Africa Test series
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Indian selectors dropped a couple of bombshells while announcing the squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand. Ishan Kishan’s return to the Indian cricket team was the biggest talking point of the announcement.

Ishan Kishan returned to India’s T20I setup after more than two years, while Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma have been dropped as the selectors named a 15-member squad for the mega event. Gill was dropped from the side after a disappointing run in T20Is since his comeback.

Indian selectors back Ishan Kishan’s red-hot form, show the door to Shubman Gill

In 2025, the right-handed batter scored 291 runs from 15 innings at an average of just 24 with a strike rate of 137. Despite getting regular chances, he failed to score even a single fifty, which went against him as the selectors decided to move on and look for players in better form.

Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan did everything right to force his way back. The aggressive left-hander has been sensational with the bat, and he even led Jharkhand to their first-ever Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy victory. The wicketkeeper smashed a breathtaking century to help his team lift the trophy.

Ishan finished the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026 as the highest run-scorer with 571 runs. His strong domestic form and his experience at the international level worked in his favor. The selectors also valued the option of having a wicketkeeper who can open the innings, which gives the team more balance and flexibility.

It makes me feel extremely happy: Ishan Kishan on India comeback

With Sanju Samson set to remain the first-choice wicketkeeper, Kishan has been picked as the second keeper in the squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and New Zealand T20Is.

This marks Kishan’s return to India’s T20I setup after his last appearance against Australia in Guwahati in 2023. The 26-year-old is now over the moon as he is set to play his first World Cup.

Ishan was very happy to be back in the Indian team. He was quoted as saying by ANI, “I am delighted. I’ve heard the news, and it makes me feel extremely happy.”

Ajit Agarkar explains why Ishan Kishan got the nod over Shubman Gill

Earlier, Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained Ishan’s selection over Gill. He said that the Bihar lad’s form was the main reason behind his selection for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Ajit Agarkar said at the BCCI headquarters, “He bats at the top in white-ball cricket, and he’s been in good form. He played before for India. He wasn't in the Indian team because there are Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant ahead of him. We felt a keeper at the top gives us more solidity.”

India’s Group Stage Schedule at ICC T20 World Cup 2026:

February 7: India vs USA at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

February 12: India vs Namibia at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

February 15: India vs Pakistan at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

February 18: India vs Netherlands at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

India vs New Zealand T20I Series Schedule:

January 11: First T20I, Vadodara

January 14: Second T20I, Rajkot

January 18: Third T20I, Indore

January 21: Fourth T20I, Nagpur

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