Ishan Kishan's Resounding Answer: A Comeback Forged in Self-Belief
"I asked myself one question — can I do it again or not? And I had a very clear answer." These powerful words from Ishan Kishan, spoken after receiving the player-of-the-match award in only his second game back for India, encapsulate a journey of resilience that has captured the cricketing world's attention.
The Long Road Back: From National Omission to Domestic Dominance
For two long years, the diminutive Jharkhand captain found himself outside the national set-up, yet he never lost faith in his abilities. The mental fortitude he maintained throughout this challenging period — and the manner of his return — reveals an inner strength that was thoroughly tested and ultimately refined through adversity.
Kishan's exclusion from national consideration came after he missed domestic cricket following a request for time off during the South Africa tour in December 2023, which subsequently led to his removal from the BCCI central contracts list. His path back to the Indian team, however, was anything but easy. He returned to the grind of domestic cricket with renewed determination, leading Jharkhand to their historic maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title while compiling runs at a blistering pace that shifted the narrative from questions about his absence to anticipation about his return.
A Statement Performance in Raipur
The freedom that comes from playing without the constant pressure of national selection was evident during Friday's match in Raipur. Walking in at number three with India having lost two early wickets, Kishan immediately took the attack to New Zealand's bowlers, never allowing them to settle into a rhythm. His explosive innings of 76 runs from just 32 deliveries, featuring a remarkable 21-ball fifty, transformed what had been a tense chase into a comfortable victory for India.
This performance wasn't an isolated incident but rather the culmination of an exceptional domestic season. Kishan finished the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 517 runs at an average of 57.44 and a staggering strike rate of 200 — statistics that demonstrate not just quantity but game-changing impact.
Perfect Timing Ahead of Crucial Tournaments
With only three matches remaining in the current series and the T20 World Cup commencing on February 7, Kishan's ability to translate domestic form into international success arrives at precisely the right moment for the Indian team. While the first two games have been high-scoring affairs with India checking most boxes, there remains room for fine-tuning, particularly with the dew factor expected to play a significant role in upcoming matches.
Beyond the in-form Abhishek Sharma — who followed his series-opening fireworks with a golden duck in Raipur — and the ever-reliable Suryakumar Yadav, attention will also focus on opener Sanju Samson at the Barsapara Stadium on Sunday. Samson has struggled for runs in recent opportunities and will be eager to make a meaningful contribution at the top of the order.
If Kishan continues to perform at this exceptional level, team management may find themselves reconsidering batting combinations at the top of the order. His resurgence represents not just a personal triumph but a significant boost to India's T20 World Cup preparations, proving that sometimes the most challenging journeys yield the most rewarding destinations.
