Suryakumar Yadav, the captain of the Indian team, has finally revealed that Ishan Kishan will bat at number 3 in the T20 series to be played between India and New Zealand, commencing from Nagpur. This was announced a day prior to the commencement of the series.
The left-handed batter from Jharkhand has been given a slot after his phenomenal performance in domestic cricket, leaving no choice but to choose him for India’s plans for T20 World Cup.
Domestic Dominance Earns Ishan Kishan the place
Ishan Kishan’s selection is also strengthened by the performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, wherein he led the pack to win the trophy. Kishan scored 517 runs in just 10 innings with two fifties and two centuries, one of which came in the finals.
Though Kishan had not been playing for India since November 2023, when the last series took place against Australia in the T20I series, his domestic performances made it an imperative nomination.
India Choose Kishan Over Shreyas Iyer
India opt for Kishan over Shreyas Iyer Since Tilak Varma was ruled out for the first three T20Is, Ishan Kishan or joining player Shreyas Iyer were the two alternatives for playing in the No.3 spot for Team India. The team management opted for Kishan, citing his inclusion in the World Cup squad as a key reason.
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“Ishan Kishan will play at No.3. He is in our World Cup team, and he deserves to play. He has been performing well in domestic cricket,” Suryakumar stated.
No.4 Spot Still a Question as Suryakumar Endures Run Drought
Although Ishan Kishan’s place in the playing eleven has been confirmed, the No.4 spot for India has been in question. Captain Suryakumar Yadav, who has only managed 244 runs in the last 22 innings, averaging 12.84, with a highest score of 47, will be playing in the series. Nevertheless, Indian captainVirat Kohliappears optimistic about his strategy and does not want to change his natural game.
Suryakumar Yadav Backs His Process
Suryakumar emphasized that he is batting well in training and believes runs will follow naturally.
“I don’t want to change my identity. What has given me success in the last three to four years, I want to continue batting the same way,” he said.
However, he reiterated that he is not running out of runs but form, hinting at his blistering period when he scored a staggering 2,544 runs in 71 matches of Twenty20. He has made a name for himself among the feared batters in international cricket.
Captaincy Precedes Personal Achievements
Suryakumar, as the Indian T20I captain, emphasized that it is always the success of the team, and not performances, which comes first.
“This is a team sport. My responsibility is to look after the team, the players, and the support staff. If the team is doing well, I am happy,” he explained.
He added that leadership requires one to consider team harmony more important than personal records.
Team-First Mentality Defines India’s Approach
Suryakumar concluded by underlining the need for a collective contribution.
“There are no personal milestones. Everyone has got to step up and be happy for each other. That’s what makes the team environment really strong.”
Key Takeaways
- Ishan Kishan, confirmed in position No.3
- Strong home form had an important role in the selection
- India prefer Kishan over Shreyas Iyer for the role
- Suryakumar Yadav looks nonchalant despite not scoring many runs
- Collective success is considered to be of utmost importance instead of personal
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