Ishan Kishan Returns to India T20I Squad at No. 3 as Suryakumar Yadav Prioritizes World Cup Preparations

In a significant selection decision ahead of the T20 World Cup, India captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that Ishan Kishan will replace the injured Tilak Varma in the playing XI for the first T20I against New Zealand in Nagpur on Wednesday.

World Cup Preparations Take Priority

The decision to slot Kishan at the crucial No. 3 position over Shreyas Iyer reflects India's long-term vision for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7. While Iyer was selected for the first three T20Is against New Zealand in Tilak's absence, he is not part of India's World Cup squad—a factor that proved decisive in the selection.

"Ishan will bat at No. 3, since he is in our World Cup team, and we picked him first, so it's his responsibility and his turn to play, and he's not played for India for a long time."

The India skipper further elaborated on the tactical reasoning behind the decision:

"If it was a question of No. 4 or 5, we may have thought differently, but unfortunately Tilak isn't there, and I think Ishan is the best bet at No. 3."

Kishan's Return After Extended Absence

This match marks Kishan's return to international cricket after a prolonged absence. The wicketkeeper-batter last represented India during the T20I series against Australia in November 2023—over a year ago.

His T20I career statistics show:

• 796 runs in 32 matches
• Average of 25.67
• Strike rate of 124.37
• Overwhelming majority of his 32 innings coming in the top three

Suryakumar acknowledged Kishan's form in domestic cricket during his time away from the national setup, stating that the left-hander "deserves to play" given his inclusion in the World Cup squad.

India's Flexible Batting Approach

Interestingly, Kishan may find himself batting at No. 4 depending on match situations. Suryakumar reiterated India's philosophy of maintaining flexible batting positions beyond the opening pair.

Since the 2024 T20 World Cup, India have predominantly employed a right-left combination at the top. The captain typically enters at No. 3 when the right-handed opener departs first, while Tilak slots in if the left-handed opener falls early. Kishan, being left-handed like Tilak, is expected to play a similar situational role.

"I've batted at both the positions for India, No. 3 and No. 4. I have slightly better numbers at No. 4. They are also good at No. 3. But we are flexible with that."

Suryakumar Addresses Personal Form Ahead of 100th T20I

Wednesday's match against New Zealand will be a landmark occasion for Suryakumar as he plays his 100th T20I. However, the captain's own form has been under scrutiny, with a concerning stretch of 22 innings without a fifty and an average of just 12.84 during this period.

When questioned about his lean patch, Suryakumar maintained his characteristic composure:

"I've been batting really well, and also, talking about the runs, it will definitely come, but at the same time I can't do things differently. I don't want to change my identity."

The captain emphasized his commitment to the approach that brought him success:

"What has given me success in the past 3-4 years, I would like to bat the same way, and then if performance comes, I'll take it. If it doesn't come, I'll go back to the drawing board, practise again, work hard, and come back stronger."

Leadership Philosophy: Team Over Personal Milestones

Suryakumar offered insight into his positive demeanour despite personal struggles, attributing it to the nature of team sports and his captaincy responsibilities.

"If this was an individual sport, if I was playing table tennis or lawn tennis, I would have worried about it a lot, definitely, but this is a team sport. My first responsibility is how the team is doing."

The 34-year-old elaborated on his leadership approach:

"I have to look after the other 14 players also, there are support staff as well. I've been appointed as leader of everyone. If I'm responsible for everyone, then I have to think hard about the team, and there's no room for personal milestones."

Looking Ahead: Series Context

With the T20 World Cup less than three weeks away, India's series against New Zealand serves as crucial preparation. The decision to prioritize World Cup squad members like Kishan over in-form players like Iyer signals the team management's focus on building cohesion and giving their tournament players valuable match time.

Kishan's performance in this series could determine his role as the back-up wicketkeeper comes February 7, while India will hope their captain rediscovers his best form ahead of the global showpiece event.