“That’s where he scores against Jitesh and Gill”

Former opener Kris Srikkanth has backed Ishan Kishan’s return to the Indian squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. While admitting that Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jitesh Sharma were unlucky to miss the opportunity, Srikkanth felt that being a keeper-batsman and an opener tipped the scales in Kishan’s favor.

India announced a 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 on Saturday (December 20). Kishan made his comeback based on his superb performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. On the other hand, Shubman Gill and Jitesh were dropped, while Rinku Singh was also recalled.

While discussing the Indian team selection for the 2026 T20 World Cup on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth supported the decision to choose Kishan over Gill, Jitesh and Jaiswal. He explained:

“Yashasvi Jaiswal, I feel bad for him. He was unlucky, but Ishan Kishan also acts as a wicketkeeper and opening batsman. That’s where he scores against Jitesh Sharma and Gill and Jaiswal. Ishan Kishan is also an exceptional cricketer. When he starts, he starts. Ishan Kishan’s selection is fantastic.”

Kishan topped the rankings in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In 10 innings, he totaled 517 runs at an average of 57.44 and a strike rate of 197.32, with the help of two hundreds and two half-centuries.

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‘Selectors looked at domestic cricket’ – Srikkanth on Ishan Kishan’s selection for T20 World Cup 2026

While further analyzing Kishan’s return to the Indian squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Srikkanth praised the selectors for rewarding their domestic performances. According to the 1983 World Cup winner, domestic cricket will regain its relevance if players are selected on the basis of their performances. The 65-year-old said:

“The selectors looked at domestic cricket. Kishan came in on the back of his scores and performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The good thing was that he only scored runs but ensured that his team won. Very happy for Kishan. He hit a double hundred and was also part of the World Cup squad, but then just disappeared.”

Leading Jharkhand, Kishan hit 101 off 49 balls in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final against Haryana in Pune. The left-hander’s aggressive knock featured six fours and ten sixes. With his batting exploits, Jharkhand posted 262-3 on the board in 20 overs. In reply, Haryana were bowled out for 193 as Jharkhand won the final by 69 runs.