Ishan Kishan’s comeback for Team India will remain one of the most inspirational stories in the history of cricket for ages. From being left out of BCCI’s central contract, dealing with mental health, injuries and then proving himself again in domestic cricket – the keeper-batsman came a long way before making a comeback into the national team.
Ishan Kishan would not have been able to succeed in the long process if the legendary Virat Kohli had not had a hand on his shoulder. An old video of the IPL match has started resurfacing on social media platforms ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, where the Jharkhand-born player is set to represent India.
Ishan Kishan is in great form
In a surprising move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has included Ishan Kishan in the T20 World Cup squad. After a long time, he got a place in the team, that too for a high-profile tournament like the T20 World Cup. The top order batsman needed to prove himself again.
The left-handed batsman did his job well during the India vs New Zealand 5-match T20 series, scoring 8, 76, 28 and 103 runs respectively. He missed the match due to an injury. After missing the fourth match of the series, Ishan responded by scoring a brilliant century.
There was a tough competition between MI and RCB
The aggressive batsman was in good form for Mumbai Indians (MI) during the IPL 2020-21 season. He played 14 matches and scored a total of 516 runs at an average of 57.33. Ishaan also played a stormy inning of 99 runs against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) this season. However, as a unit, MI felt weak against Virat Kohli’s RCB. Ishan Kishan played his best innings of the season, but still he was heartbroken. The match was tied, but RCB won the one-over eliminator.
When the show ended after the match, Ishan Kishan was standing alone and trying to control his tears, when Virat Kohli came and placed his hand on his shoulder. A great gesture by the legend to support the budding cricketer, who gave his all to claim an important win.
During a recent conversation, Ishaan recalled how Kohli’s words came at the right time, revealing that he fought back tears when Kohli spoke to him. He said that he was very sad at that time and was about to cry, before Virat Kohli supported him.
Virat Kohli expressed support towards Ishaan
“I was very sad during another match. I remember there was a video where I was about to cry before Virat Bhai consoled me. I was just somehow holding back the tears.” [Virat] You must have seen me lying like this. poor child; He might be thinking too much,” Ishan said on the 2 Sluggers Podcast.
Ishu almost cried pic.twitter.com/82LUj7GVCg
– N (@neelectric) 26 September 2021
If things go as per the expectations, Ishan Kishan will open the innings for Team India during the T20 World Cup 2026. Sanju Samson got many chances to show his batting class, but failed to perform against New Zealand.
Read more: Ishan Kishan targets Rohit Sharma for throwing him out of the team
