“Focus Firmly On World Cup”: Ishan Kishan After Match-Winning Century Against New Zealand

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan said his attention is firmly on the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after scoring a match-winning maiden T20I century against New Zealand in the fifth and final T20 International in Thiruvananthapuram. Kishan played a key role in India’s dominant performance and underlined that the bigger goal remains delivering consistently at the World Cup.

Reflecting on his innings, Ishan spoke about how batting alongside Abhishek Sharma helped him understand the tempo required by the team. “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,” he said during the post-match presentation.

The century capped a remarkable turnaround for Ishan, who was left out of the central contract list in 2024 before bouncing back strongly. After winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with Jharkhand, he returned to the Indian side and made full use of his opportunities in the New Zealand series. With 215 runs in four innings at an average of 53.75 and a strike rate of over 231, including a century and a fifty, Ishan has strengthened his case as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Ishan also stressed that personal milestones are no longer a priority within the team setup. “I still feel I am not there yet. 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 said, adding that the team does not slow down for individual landmarks when the situation demands aggressive batting.

In the match, India won the toss and elected to bat first but lost Sanju Samson early for a single-digit score. Abhishek Sharma then played a quick cameo of 30 off 16 balls with four boundaries and two sixes before falling, leaving India at 48 for two. A commanding 137-run partnership between Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav turned the game decisively in India’s favour. Kishan smashed 103 off 43 balls, including six fours and 10 sixes, while Suryakumar scored 63 off 30 deliveries with four boundaries and six sixes. A late blitz from Hardik Pandya, who struck 42 off 17 balls with one four and four sixes, propelled India to a massive total of 271 for five.

New Zealand’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Lockie Ferguson returning figures of 2 for 41, while Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson and Mitchell Santner all conceded heavily despite picking up a wicket each.

In reply, New Zealand lost Tim Seifert early but a counter-attacking stand between Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra briefly raised hopes. Allen hammered 80 off 38 balls with eight fours and six sixes, while Ravindra added 30 off 17 balls with two fours and two sixes. However, India’s bowlers struck back strongly as Arshdeep Singh claimed a five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5 for 51, and Axar Patel supported him with 3 for 33. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 225 after being reduced to 191 for nine at one stage.

Ishan’s century and India’s commanding all-round display sealed a 4-1 series victory, with the wicketkeeper-batter now keen to carry his form into the T20 World Cup, where he believes the real test awaits.