India’s warm-up game against South Africa in Navi Mumbai saw a major alteration in India’s top order. Instead of Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan faced the first ball of the innings and put his best foot forward. The Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter smashed a 20-ball 53 at a strike rate of 265 before falling prey to retiring out. His explosive knock, along with Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 24, helped India amass 80 runs in the Powerplay.
Although it was just a warm-up game before the defending champions head into the T20 World Cup, the indication was clear that Sanju, who was given a chance throughout the New Zealand T20Is, will most likely be replaced by Ishan going forward.
The rejuvenated version of Ishan Kishan has hogged the limelight lately. His
fearless approach, clean striking, and intent to put pressure on the opposition have visibly impressed the team management. He may seem to be justifying his selection over Shubman Gill at the eleventh hour, but those who have seen him closely know very well how the 27-year-old charted his way back into India’s scheme of things.
The last couple of years haven’t been smooth for Kishan. Getting dropped from the team and being denied a central contract forced him to unlock his self-belief. His childhood friends, Siddhant Singh and Anshumat Srivastav, witnessed his comeback journey from close quarters.
“Those two years were tough—not only for Ishan but for his family too. What he had asked for was just a break, a mental break. It’s tough to warm benches, and there came a time when he said, ‘I need a break from this,’ but people took it otherwise,” Siddhant told The Indian Express.
Kishan’s ouster dates back to December 2023 when he asked for a break due to mental fatigue. However, it was seen as an act of indiscipline, which led to him losing his BCCI central contract and being dropped from the team for more than two years.
“He was easily labelled as someone who doesn’t take playing for India seriously. People didn’t understand that. They kept saying things. But this guy—I’ve never seen anyone so mentally locked in,” Siddhant added.
During his time away from the dressing room, Kishan turned spiritual. As reported by the Indian daily, he hired a dietician, intensified his fitness regimen, and opened the Ishan Kishan Academy in Patna with Anshumat.
The academy provided him with a platform to train while also giving him a renewed sense of purpose — guiding and mentoring the next generation beyond his own comeback.
The changes reflected in his domestic appearances, and what he did as Jharkhand captain in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 was historic. He not only emerged as the highest run-getter of the season with 517 runs, but he also led his team to a first-ever title victory.
“When we went to see his domestic game, he ensured we got seats in the president’s box. We were initially made to sit somewhere else, but he told the manager to make sure we got the best seats,” Siddhant added.
