Ishan Kishan cemented his place in India's T20 World Cup plans with a blistering maiden T20I century against New Zealand at Thiruvananthapuram on January 31, 2026. The left-handed opener's explosive innings of 103 runs off 42 balls, studded with 10 sixes and 6 fours, propelled India to a formidable total of 250/4 in the fifth and final T20I of the series.
Kishan's return to the T20I side after a two-year absence has been nothing short of spectacular. After a fantastic domestic season, where he topped the run charts in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025/26 with 517 runs, including a blistering century in the final, Kishan forced his way back into the national team. In the second T20I against New Zealand, he had already signaled his intentions with a rapid 76 off 32 balls.
The venue of Kishan's triumph added another layer to the narrative. Thiruvananthapuram is the home ground of Sanju Samson, who has been under pressure to perform consistently. While Samson has been a part of India's T20 plans, his recent struggles in the series against New Zealand, where he only managed 40 runs across four innings, have raised questions about his place in the World Cup squad. In contrast, Kishan has seized the opportunity with both hands, showcasing his aggressive intent and clean hitting.
Kishan walked in to bat after Sanju Samson fell early in the powerplay. He then went on to dominate the game, forming a formidable 137-run partnership with captain Suryakumar Yadav, who himself contributed a half-century. Kishan's ability to take on the bowlers from the outset disrupted New Zealand's plans and allowed India to gain the upper hand. His century, reached in just 42 balls, is a testament to his aggressive approach and ability to capitalize on opportunities.
The composition of India's T20 World Cup squad has been a subject of much discussion. With Suryakumar Yadav leading the team, the batting lineup includes a blend of experience and youth. While Shubman Gill's omission from the squad raised eyebrows, the inclusion of both Kishan and Samson as wicketkeeping options indicates the team management's desire for flexibility. However, Kishan's stellar performance has likely solidified his position in the playing XI, potentially at the expense of Samson.
The T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will see twenty teams competing for the coveted title. India, as one of the host nations, will be aiming to make a strong impression. Kishan's emergence as a reliable and explosive opener provides a significant boost to India's chances. His ability to score quickly at the top of the order, coupled with his wicketkeeping skills, makes him a valuable asset to the team. While the final composition of the playing XI remains to be seen, Ishan Kishan has undoubtedly made a strong case for himself with his match-winning century.
