As India step into a crucial year leading up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the team management has started putting pieces in place — and one of the biggest signals came with Ishan Kishan being confirmed at No.3 in the batting order.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav has thrown his full support behind the left-hander’s return to the T20I setup, backing him as a key part of the World Cup plans ahead of the upcoming series against New Zealand.
Speaking on the eve of the first T20 International, Suryakumar made it clear that Kishan’s role is non-negotiable in the current structure.
“Ishan will play at No.3. He is part of our World Cup team,” the skipper said, underlining the faith the management has shown in the dynamic batter.
Kishan’s Comeback Backed by Form and Trust
Ishan Kishan has not represented India in T20Is since the Australia series in November 2023, but his domestic performances have kept him firmly in contention. Across 32 T20I matches, he has scored 796 runs at an average of 25.67 with a strike rate of 124.37 — most of those innings coming in the top three.
Suryakumar believes Kishan deserves a long run, especially with India trying to settle combinations early in a World Cup year.
“He hasn’t played for India in a long time, but he’s been doing well domestically. Since he’s part of the World Cup squad, he deserves opportunities,” he added.
Tilak Varma Absence Opens the Door
With Tilak Varma unavailable for the series, Kishan has emerged as the most suitable candidate for the crucial No.3 slot.
“If it was about No.4 or No.5, it would be a different discussion. Unfortunately, we’re missing Tilak, so I feel Ishan is our best option at No.3,” the captain explained.
The decision reflects India’s intent to lock down key batting roles well before the global tournament.
Suryakumar Downplays Personal Form Concerns
While Suryakumar Yadav is set to play his 100th T20I for India, he brushed aside talk about his personal struggles in recent months. The star batter hasn’t registered a half-century in his last 22 innings since October 2024 but remains focused on the bigger picture.
“This is a team sport. My responsibility is how the team performs. If the team wins, I’m happy,” he said.
He emphasized that individual milestones mean little compared to collective success, especially with a major World Cup on the horizon.
Returning to Basics Ahead of the Big Stage
Reflecting on his preparation, Suryakumar revealed that he has gone back to the foundations that once defined his aggressive T20 identity.
“I thought about what gave me my identity in T20 cricket. I’ve worked on those aspects again,” he shared.
The approach signals a reset mindset as India aim to peak at the right time.
Pressure Seen as a Positive Force
Despite a recent 2-1 ODI series loss to New Zealand, the Indian captain believes pressure is an essential ingredient in elite sport.
“There is no fun without pressure. It creates energy and motivation,” he said confidently.
India and New Zealand will clash in the opening T20I on January 21, marking the beginning of what could be a defining phase in India’s World Cup journey.
What This Means for T20 World Cup 2026
Ishan Kishan’s promotion to No.3 isn’t just a short-term experiment — it’s a clear statement of intent. India are shaping a settled batting core, building stability, and backing players who fit their long-term vision.
With months still to go before the global tournament, this move could prove pivotal in defining India’s batting identity for the biggest stage.
