Dropped, Ignored, Written Off… Then ROARED Back | The Real Comeback Story of Ishan Kishan

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:49:56 +0000

From being dropped, sidelined, and questioned, to becoming one of India’s most impactful T20 batters again — this is the unbelievable comeback story of Ishan Kishan.

In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final, after Jharkhand were reduced to 3 for 1, Ishan Kishan played one of the greatest domestic T20 knocks ever — 101 off just 49 balls, leading Jharkhand to a massive 262 and the title. He finished the tournament with 517 runs at a strike rate of 197, silencing critics who had almost written him off.

But this story is much bigger than just numbers.

After the 2023 World Cup, Kishan returned midway from the South Africa tour citing mental fatigue. What followed was a storm — accusations of indiscipline, questions on commitment, removal from the BCCI central contract, and a perception that his international career was nearly over. Public opinion turned harsh, former players weighed in, and the pressure was immense.

Yet, in what many called an “exile,” Kishan went back to the grind. Training at the Kiran More Academy in Baroda, guided by Hardik Pandya, reconnecting with the basics, focusing on fitness, yoga, meditation, and rediscovering his love for cricket — Sunday-to-Sunday cricket, as he calls it.

His redemption began in domestic cricket:

Century in the Buchi Babu Trophy

Explosive 111 in the Duleep Trophy

Match-winning knocks in the Vijay Hazare Trophy

And finally, that unforgettable SMAT final

The moment that sealed his return came on January 23, 2026, against New Zealand in Raipur. Chasing 209, India were 6 for 2. Under pressure, Kishan smashed a 21-ball fifty, the fastest by an Indian against New Zealand, finishing with 76 off 32 balls — a knock that was as much mental as it was explosive.

Now, heading into the 2026 T20 World Cup, Ishan Kishan isn’t just back — he represents the new template of Indian T20 batting:
Strike-rate over milestones
Intent over caution
Fearless powerplay dominance

With competition intensifying for the wicketkeeper’s spot and India’s T20 approach evolving rapidly, Kishan’s journey stands as a reminder that form fades, class returns — but mindset decides everything.

This is not just a cricket story.
This is a story of doubt, discipline, faith, and redemption.

Watch till the end to understand why Ishan Kishan’s comeback could define India’s T20 future.