Ishan Kishan is back in India colours after a gap of over two years, and the wicketkeeper-batter couldn’t hide his joy when the T20 World Cup 2026 squad was announced on December 20, 2025. The left-hander has earned his recall on the back of a sensational domestic campaign that saw him lead Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title and emerge as the tournament’s highest run-scorer.

“I am very happy” – Ishan’s reaction

Speaking to ANI after the squad announcement, Ishan Kishan expressed his delight at returning to the national fold. “I am very happy. Also very happy for my domestic team, Jharkhand, on winning their maiden SMAT trophy! Everyone played really well!” he said, crediting his teammates for their collective effort in lifting the title.

The 26-year-old’s return marks the end of a challenging period away from international cricket. He last played a T20I for India against Australia in late 2023 before stepping away from the national setup to focus on his game and fitness. That absence stretched for over two years, during which time he lost his place to other wicketkeeping options like Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson and KL Rahul.

Record-breaking SMAT campaign earns recall

Ishan’s comeback wasn’t handed to him on reputation alone – he earned it through sheer weight of runs in the 2025/26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The Jharkhand captain amassed a staggering 517 runs in just 10 innings at an average of 57.44, striking at over 197. His tally included two centuries and two fifties, showcasing both consistency and explosive intent.

The highlight of his campaign came in the final against Haryana, where he smashed a century to power Jharkhand to their first-ever SMAT title. His leadership on and off the field was instrumental in guiding a relatively inexperienced Jharkhand side to glory, and the selectors took notice.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Ishan’s form and ability to bat at the top of the order were key factors in his selection. “We are looking at combinations. Our thought was to have another keeper. Ishan bats at the top, he has been in good form, and played before for India. That is the combination we are looking at right now. We felt he is the best backup keeper at this point,” Agarkar said at the squad announcement press conference.

Role in the squad

Ishan Kishan returns as the second wicketkeeper-batter in the 15-member squad, providing cover and competition to Sanju Samson, who is expected to open the batting. With Shubman Gill dropped from the squad due to poor form, India have committed to a strategy of playing two wicketkeepers at the top of the order, giving them flexibility and firepower in the powerplay.

Ishan’s ability to open the innings and his left-handed batting add balance to a top order that also features Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and captain Suryakumar Yadav. His strike rate of over 197 in the SMAT suggests he is in the kind of form that can translate into match-winning knocks at the highest level.

World Cup ambitions

The T20 World Cup 2026, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, offers Ishan a golden opportunity to cement his place in the Indian setup. Defending champions India are in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, Namibia and Netherlands, and will be aiming to become the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title.

For Ishan, the journey back to the blue jersey has been long and filled with challenges, but his domestic heroics have proven that he belongs at the top level. If he can replicate his SMAT form on the international stage, he could well become a key player in India’s title defence.