IND vs SA: Why has Ishan Kishan Retired Out in Warm-Up Match? Will Sanju Samson bat?

India are playing South Africa in their sole warm-up match of the T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday (February 4). India won the toss and decided to bat first.

Ishan Kishan came out opening for India with Abhishek Sharma and gave the hosts a blistering start to their innings. After scoring a blistering half-century, Kishan was retired out as Tilak Varma was introduced at no. 3.

Why was Ishan Kishan retired out?

Ishan Kishan was retired out in the India vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match. This is a common practice in warm-up games to allow more players to get batting or bowling practice and give opportunities to others in the squad.

It's not due to injury, anger, or any negative reason-it's strategic team management.He scored a quickfire 53 runs off just 20 balls (including

2 fours and 7 sixes) at a strike rate of 265, reaching his fifty in 20 balls during the powerplay. He smashed boundaries aggressively, particularly punishing bowlers like Anrich Nortje and Kwena Maphaka, before retiring out after hitting a six off Maphaka in the 5.4 over.

Will Sanju Samson bat Today?

Sanju Samson hasn't been given a chance to bat in the warm-up but the Kerala batter may be handed an opportunity in the middle order. After a string of poor run, Samson has likely lost his place in the World Cup playing 11, as Kishan may have leapfrogged him in the opening slot.

India look strong against South Africa

India have looked superb so far with the bat against the Proteas. They have already gone past the century mark and are looking in ominous form. Abhishek Sharma is batting on 24, while Tilak Varma bats on 10 as India are 102/1 at the end of 8th over.

The Indian team will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on Saturday when they face USA in Mumbai.