Ishan Kishan reacts after T20 World Cup selection

Ishan Kishan has been named to India’s 15-man T20 World Cup team following outstanding performances for Jharkhand in their successful Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign. The BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, unveiled the squad on Sunday, December 20, at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai.

Ishan Kishan hasn’t played an international match since November 2023.

He has made 32 T20I appearances, scoring 796 runs with an average of 25.68 and a strike rate of 124.38. The southpaw has six half-centuries in the format.

Kishan replaced his close friend Shubman Gill on the team. The latter had been struggling in the shortest format this year, so the selectors opted to let him go.

When questioned about his reaction to his return to the Indian team, Kishan expressed his joy and made sure to offer thanks to his teammates while noting the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy victory.

“Thank you so much. It feels great to be back in the Indian team. The entire Jharkhand squad contributed to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy triumph,” Kishan was quoted as saying by India Today.

Kishan’s addition to the squad also meant that fellow wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma had to be shown the door. The 27-year-old is expected to be the backup for Sanju Samson, who is likely to open the batting with Abhishek Sharma.

During the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Kishan finished as the highest run-getter, amassing 517 runs at an average of 57.44 and a strike rate of 197.32. He smashed two fifties and as many centuries in the tournament.