Suryakumar Yadav Confirms Ishan Kishan's Return at No.3 for India vs New Zealand T20I Series

India captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that Ishan Kishan will slot in at the crucial No.3 position for the first T20I against New Zealand in Nagpur. The announcement marks the end of Kishan's 14-month absence from international cricket, with his last appearance dating back to November 2023 against Australia.

Kishan's Sensational Domestic Form Forces Selection

The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand earned his World Cup squad spot through sheer weight of runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Kishan's domestic campaign was nothing short of spectacular:

• 517 runs in just 10 matches
• Two half-centuries
• Two centuries, including one in the tournament final
• Led Jharkhand to the SMAT title

"Ishan will play third. Because he's in our World Cup team, we have picked him first. So, it's his responsibility and he has to play. He has been doing well in domestic cricket. He hasn't played for the Indian team for 1-1.5 years. We have picked him in the World Cup team and he deserves to play."

Why Kishan Over Shreyas Iyer?

With Tilak Varma unavailable for the first three T20Is, India faced a tactical decision between two accomplished middle-order batters. The management opted for Kishan over Shreyas Iyer, who was added to the squad specifically for this New Zealand series. The rationale appears clear – Kishan's inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad necessitates game time before the marquee tournament.

Suryakumar Addresses His Own Form Concerns

The Numbers Paint a Worrying Picture

While Kishan's return dominates headlines, questions linger over the captain's own form. Suryakumar's recent statistics make for sobering reading:

• 244 runs in his last 22 innings
• Average of just 12.84
• Highest score of only 47

For a player who amassed 2,544 runs in 71 innings during his peak, the decline is stark.

Captain's Response: Identity Over Adaptation

Suryakumar, however, remains unfazed and committed to his natural game.

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

Leadership Over Personal Glory

Team-First Mentality Defines Captaincy Approach

Suryakumar offered insight into how he balances personal struggles with captaincy responsibilities.

"If I was playing table tennis, lawn tennis or a single sport, then I would definitely think more. But here, this is a team sport. My first responsibility is to know how the team is doing. Is the team doing well? Is the team winning?"

The 34-year-old emphasized collective success over individual milestones.

"I think there is no personal milestone. It's a team sport. Everyone has to step up. Everyone has to do well. Everyone has to be happy for each other. I think that is the most important thing in a team atmosphere."

Managing a Squad of 15

As captain, Suryakumar acknowledged his broader responsibilities extend beyond his own batting.

"I have to look after all the other 14 players also. Then there are support staff as well. So, I have been appointed as leader of everyone."

Looking Ahead: India vs New Zealand Series

The first T20I in Nagpur presents multiple storylines to follow:

• Ishan Kishan's redemption arc – Can he justify his World Cup selection?
• Suryakumar's form revival – Will the runs finally flow for the captain?
• India's World Cup preparations – How does this series shape the final squad dynamics?

With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, every match becomes crucial for players and management alike. Kishan's opportunity at No.3 could define his international future, while Suryakumar's leadership will be tested as he navigates through his own lean patch.

The India-New Zealand series promises to be as much about individual redemption as it is about bilateral supremacy.