Following his match-winning maiden T20I century against New Zealand, Ishan Kishan made it clear that his focus is squarely on the T20 World Cup 2026. Speaking at the post-match presentation, the wicketkeeper-batter emphasised his desire to put in the extra effort required for the marquee event. He also credited his opening partner, Abhishek Sharma, noting that Abhishek’s aggressive intent helps him better understand the team's momentum requirements and adjust his own game accordingly.
Ishan Kishan's match winning ton in IND vs NZ 5th T20I
Kishan’s recent performance marks a remarkable redemption arc in his career. After the setback of losing his central contract in 2024, he fought his way back by leading Jharkhand to their first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. This domestic success paved the way for his return to the national side, and his current form suggests he has fully seized the opportunity. Throughout the New Zealand series, he amassed 215 runs across four innings at a staggering average of 53.75 and a massive strike rate of over 231.
"I felt the ball was doing a bit early on, but batting alongside Abhishek Sharma really helps. You see his intent, you understand the momentum the team needs, and then you just try to watch the ball and play accordingly. That approach worked well for me today," Ishan said at the post-match presentation.
ALSO READ: Massive update on Tilak Varma's recovery and T20 World Cup participation
My focus is firmly on the World Cup: Ishan Kishan
Ishan, who tonked a lightning 43-ball 103 in Trivandrum, further elaborated on the team's evolving philosophy, saying that individual milestones have taken a backseat to collective intent. The star southpaw feels he is still not there and has set his sights on the bigger goal, i.e T20 World Cup 2026.
"I still feel I am not there yet (at his best). Yes, I have done well and I am getting these awards, but my focus is firmly on the World Cup. That is where the extra effort is needed. What is important is carrying this form forward and continuing to contribute there," he concluded.
ALSO READ: PCB’s deleted post fuels fresh doubts over Pakistan’s T20 World Cup plans
How did the match unfold?
After winning the toss and electing to bat, India faced an early setback when local favorite Sanju Samson was dismissed for a single-digit score. Fellow opener Abhishek Sharma showed more promise with a brisk 30 off 16 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, but he too fell early, leaving the hosts in a precarious position at 48/2.The momentum shifted dramatically as Ishan Kishan and skipper Suryakumar Yadav combined for an electrifying 137-run partnership. Kishan was the aggressor, smashing 103 off just 43 deliveries with a barrage of six fours and ten sixes, while Suryakumar played a classy yet rapid 63 off 30 balls. A late-innings cameo from Hardik Pandya, who blazed 42 runs off 17 balls with four sixes, propelled India to a massive total of 271/5. New Zealand's bowling attack struggled to contain the onslaught. While Lockie Ferguson emerged as the most effective bowler with figures of 2/41, his teammates found it difficult to stem the flow of runs. Jacob Duffy (1/53), Kyle Jamieson (1/59), and Mitchell Santner (1/60) all conceded more than 13 runs per over as the Indian batters dominated. In response, the Black Caps lost Tim Seifert early but stayed in the hunt through a century stand between Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra. Allen played a spectacular innings of 80 from 38 balls, but the chase collapsed once he was dismissed. Arshdeep Singh overcame an expensive start to claim a brilliant 5/51, while Axar Patel’s 3/33 helped dismantle the middle order. New Zealand was eventually skittled out for 225, handing India a 46-run victory and a 4-1 series win.