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Ishan Kishan is once again in the headlines for his performances at the domestic and international level. After his brilliant century against Afghanistan in Lucknow, it is strongly believed that Ishan Kishan deserves a place in India’s playing XI for the ICC World Cup 2027.
The biggest reason is the unique balance that Ishaan brings to the team. As a left-handed batsman, the wicketkeeper-batsman gives India a different dimension to the batting order. And then it was Ishan’s fearless approach and mental strength that had attracted the Indian selectors in the first place.
left hand balance in middle order
India’s middle order consists mostly of right-handed batsmen, so opposition teams often use their spinners to put pressure on them in the middle overs. So, Ishan Kishan, being a fearless left-handed batsman, gives India a different option to break that pattern.
Ishan likes to attack the spinners and his aggressive batting can put pressure on the opposition team. He can change the pace while batting at No. 4 or No. 5 and keep the scoring rate high, making him a very valuable player for India’s plans for the ICC World Cup 2027.
The battle for the post of India’s wicketkeeper for the 2027 ODI World Cup is intensifying, but Ishan is currently ahead of the other contenders. Rishabh Pant is still trying to perform at his best after the injury. He has lost not only the vice-captaincy but also his ODI place.
Sanju Samson has not been able to cement his place in the ODI team. Although KL Rahul remains a reliable batsman, his style is more of playing the anchor role. But teams are looking for players who can attack right from the start and can also keep the scoring rate high in ODIs.
And this is where Ishaan fits in better than the rest. The left-handed batsman is playing fearless cricket while his form, confidence, maturity and clear understanding of his role make him an ideal choice.
Ishan Kishan’s recent form
Many thought Ishan Kishan’s international career was over when he lost his BCCI central contract in 2024, but he made a remarkable comeback the next year. He worked hard in domestic cricket to prove himself and then surprised everyone with his explosive batting for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025.
The wicketkeeper-batsman also led Jharkhand to its first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title and became the leading run-scorer in the tournament with 517 runs. This led to his recall to India for the New Zealand series and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and he impressed everyone with his brilliant performance.
Ishan finished the 2026 T20 World Cup as the second-highest run-scorer in the title-winning campaign, with 317 runs at a strike rate above 193. His dream run continued in IPL 2026 as he captained Sunrisers Hyderabad in half the season and scored 602 runs.
Now returning to India’s ODI team after a long break, Ishan Kishan has given another strong message by scoring 125 runs in 79 balls against Afghanistan in Lucknow. All these things strengthened his claim for a place in India’s 2027 ODI World Cup squad.
Fits perfectly into India’s long-term World Cup plans
After the T20I format, India are adopting a more fearless and aggressive style in ODI cricket as well and Ishan Kishan fits that style perfectly. His massive partnership of 224 runs with Shubman Gill against Afghanistan in the second ODI gave a glimpse of India’s future batting style.
Ishan brings aggression and fearless attacking cricket. He can put the bowlers under pressure and change the pace in no time. India need Ishan’s firepower and match-winning factor and he has already shown what he can do on the biggest stage.
Apart from his aggressive batting, Ishan also offers wicketkeeping skills, leadership experience and consistent performances, making him one of the key players that India can rely on in the ICC World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
