Toward the end of 2023, Kishan, who was part of India’s ODI World Cup squad, withdrew from the South Africa tour, citing mental fatigue. However, his subsequent absence from the 2023–24 Ranji Trophy ignited a broader discussion on whether some senior players were favoring the IPL over domestic cricket. As a result, both Kishan and Shreyas Iyer were removed from the BCCI’s central contract list.
The decision was largely perceived as the board drawing a clear line, emphasizing the significance of domestic cricket, although many felt it was a harsh move against the two players. While both players returned to the central contracts in 2024–25, Kishan, unlike Iyer, had to prove himself through a rigorous domestic season.
Incredible Century by Captain Ishan Kishan in SMAT final ????
Check out this Pushpa-style celebration video from a fan’s cam????????#IshanKishan pic.twitter.com/1B0lg8Vv0s— Ayush (@AyushCricket32) December 18, 2025
This Saturday marked a significant turnaround for Kishan, who not only navigated the challenges of domestic cricket but also played red-ball cricket in the County Championship, scored an IPL century on debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad, and most recently led his state to their first-ever victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy.
Kishan has certainly made his mark in domestic cricket to reclaim his spot in the national team for the crucial men’s T20 World Cup early next year, but his return has also aligned with a shift in focus for the Indian coaching staff and selectors.
Recently, Shubman Gill was reinstated into the T20I setup as vice-captain, a change seen as a signal for skipper Suryakumar to be on alert.
Check out Agarkar’s reaction; he’s visibly shocked. Nowadays, keeping journalists on your side is vital. pic.twitter.com/buyVKFJhwE https://t.co/k1bNgGLEG1
— ???? (@elonkimaaka) December 20, 2025
However, the rapidly evolving landscape of T20 cricket meant the Indian team deviated from its decision to have Gill paired with Abhishek Sharma at the top, opting instead for one of the wicketkeeper-batters among the two openers.
With 517 runs, including a century in the final against Haryana, Kishan made a compelling case at the right moment, securing his spot as the second wicketkeeper-batter.
“He opens in white-ball cricket, is in good form, has played for India before, and even has a double century in ODI cricket,” said chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar during the press conference for the men’s T20 World Cup squad announcement.
“His absence from the team was due to having Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel ahead of him. Both are excellent players,” Agarkar noted.
This Saturday, both captain Suryakumar Yadav and Agarkar made it clear that the team is moving away from its previous strategies, emphasizing the inclusion of one of the two aggressive wicketkeeper-batters, Samson and Kishan, moving forward.
India will maintain the squad that was chosen initially for the five-match series against New Zealand, their final challenge before the men’s T20 World Cup.
Kishan may be second in line for the wicketkeeper-batter position, but if an opportunity arises, he will be ready to seize it fully.
(With PTI inputs)
First Published: Dec 20, 2025 11:59 PM IST
