captain of india Suryakumar Yadav The speculation over India’s No. 3 batting position ahead of the five-match T20 series against New Zealand has come to an end. Suryakumar confirmed this while speaking at the pre-match press conference in Nagpur. Ishan Kishan Will bat at number three in the opening match on Wednesday.
The announcement comes amid debate over whether Shreyas IyerHe will be back in the role, returning to the team after a 25-month absence. However, the Indian captain clarified that the team management has a defined plan.
Suryakumar Yadav told the number of Team India. 3 strategy
Addressing the media, Suryakumar Yadav said that Ishan is firmly part of India’s long-term plans for the ICC T20 World Cup and deserves consistent runs in the middle order.
“The team management believes that Ishan is the strongest option for the number three position and he should get the opportunity.” Suryakumar said. He also highlighted Kishan’s recent consistency in domestic cricket as a key factor behind this decision.
With the T20 World Cup less than a month away, India are keen to support players who fit their aggressive batting style and can adapt to different match situations.
While Shreyas Iyer’s return to the T20I setup created excitement, the decision shows that the management is in no rush to get him back into the playing eleven. Iyer, who has not featured in a T20I for over two years, will have to wait for his opportunity as India prioritize consistency ahead of a busy international calendar.
The move reflects India’s emphasis on role clarity rather than prestige, especially in the shortest format where pace and adaptability are crucial.
Ishan Kishan’s T20I record at number 3
So far, Ishaan has batted at number three in four T20 International matches and has scored 114 runs including two half-centuries. While his average of 28.50 in that position seems ordinary, the team believes that his aggressive style and ability to counter spin makes him a strong option in the middle overs.
Overall, Kishan has played 32 T20Is since making his debut against England in March 2023, scoring 796 runs at an average of 25.67 with six half-centuries. His last appearance in the format was against Australia in November 2023.
The biggest reason behind Ishan being selected at number 3 is his recent excellent form in domestic cricket. Representing Jharkhand in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025–26, Kishan emerged as the leading run-scorer of the tournament.
He scored 517 runs in just 10 matches at an extraordinary average of 57.44 and a blistering strike rate of 197.32. His account includes two centuries and two half-centuries, which played an important role in Jharkhand winning the title.
India is waiting for an important T20 series against New Zealand
As India prepare to face New Zealand in Nagpur, clarity around the No. 3 position provides stability to the batting order. With Ishan getting the support of the captain and selectors, this series presents an opportunity for the left-hander to cement his place ahead of the T20 World Cup.
For Shreyas, patience may be required, while for Ishan, the focus is on performing at the international level once again.
