Ishan Kishan’s Comeback Story: From Tough Times to Match-Winning Hero Against New Zealand
Reported by nriglobe.com
Indian cricket has always been about fierce competition, and few stories capture that reality better than Ishan Kishan’s recent comeback. Once seen as India’s explosive future in limited-overs cricket, Kishan went through a prolonged phase of uncertainty, inconsistency, and absence from the national side. But yesterday’s India vs New Zealand clash marked a powerful reminder of what resilience and hard work can achieve.
The Phase of Struggle
Over the last couple of seasons, Ishan Kishan found himself drifting out of India’s regular plans. Despite early success and a reputation as a fearless stroke-maker, inconsistent performances and stiff competition for spots meant fewer opportunities at the international level. Critics questioned his shot selection, temperament, and ability to deliver under pressure.
Instead of fading away, Kishan chose a harder path — returning to domestic cricket, rebuilding his game, and working on mental strength. In interviews, he openly admitted that the break from Team India forced him to self-reflect and rediscover hunger, discipline, and clarity about his role as a batter.
Domestic Grind and Mental Reset
The left-hander used domestic tournaments as a proving ground, scoring consistently and regaining confidence. More importantly, he focused on staying calm under pressure — something that had often let him down earlier. This phase played a crucial role in preparing him for another opportunity at the highest level, especially with selectors looking for fearless yet reliable T20 options ahead of major tournaments.
Statement Knock vs New Zealand
That opportunity came in the 2nd T20I against New Zealand on 23 January 2026, and Ishan Kishan grabbed it with both hands. Chasing a daunting target of 209, India were under early pressure after losing quick wickets. Kishan walked in with intent and immediately put the New Zealand bowlers on the back foot.
He smashed a breathtaking 76 runs off just 32 balls, combining clean power with smart shot selection. His innings included a flurry of boundaries and towering sixes, reaching his half-century in record time and completely changing the momentum of the match. India cruised to victory with overs to spare, and Kishan was rightly named Player of the Match.
Why This Innings Matters
This was more than just a quickfire knock:
- It proved Kishan can handle high-pressure chases
- It showed visible improvement in shot selection and composure
- It reinforced his value as a left-hand aggressive option in India’s T20 setup
For a player fighting to reclaim his place, this innings could be a career-defining turning point.
What Lies Ahead
With the T20 World Cup approaching, Ishan Kishan has sent a strong message to selectors — he is ready, focused, and hungry. If he continues to build on this momentum, his comeback story could soon become one of Indian cricket’s most inspiring recent narratives.
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