15-men squad for the World Cup will be leaded by Suryakumar Yadav while Shubman Gill was dropped from squad due to fitness and form concerns. on the inclusion of wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan in squad of India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin shared his thoughts. Ravichandran Ashwin believes the selection is a “gift” from the game, stating that Ishan is back in the national side due to one primary reason: he has given cricket the respect it deserves. Following a title-winning campaign for Jharkhand in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), where Ishan completed as the top run-getter of the tournament, Ishan Kishan returns in the T20 World Cup squad as the second wicketkeeper-batter.
Ravichandran Ashwin told on his YouTube channel ” This is a gift that cricket has given to Ishan Kishan. Many people from outside can guess what it is, and some may say it’s unfair. But life comes back in circles. The reason Ishan was not in the team earlier, and how he has come back now, has only one reason. He has given cricket the respect it deserves,”
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After last playing a T20I against Australia in late 2023, Ishan Kishan, who had a marvelous Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025/26 campaign, leading Jharkhand to their first-ever title, returns to the national side of India. Ishan Kishan with 517 runs in 10 innings at an average of 57.44 and strike rate over 197, including two centuries, top-scored in the SMAT.
Axar Patel returning in the 15-members squad as vice-captain. Ashwin focused foundation of Ishan Kishan’s comeback in the national team due to his grind through the Buchi Babu Trophy, Ranji Trophy preparations, and first-class cricket.
Ashwin added “He played in the Buchi Babu Trophy. A player like Ishan Kishan came and represented Jharkhand in the tournament held in Chennai. He was the number one performer in Ranji Trophy preparations… he went through the yards of the game, respected the game, and hence succeeded,”
In the T20 World Cup 2026, India is placed in Group A along with Namibia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and the USA.On 7 February 2026, their campaign starts against the USA in Mumbai.
