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India’s southpaw Ishan Kishan lit up the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram with a spectacular knock. In the fifth T20I against New Zealand, Kishan produced a breathtaking innings of 103 off just 43 deliveries, lighting up the night with a display of power, timing, and intent. His maiden T20I century came at a crucial moment in the series and played a decisive role in India piling up a towering 271/5 in their 20 overs.
The left-hander’s assault featured six crisp fours and ten towering sixes, with the landmark hundred coming off only 42 balls. Kishan’s innings ensured India maintained relentless pressure throughout, eventually sealing a comfortable 46-run victory. It was a performance that not only thrilled the crowd but also reminded selectors and fans alike of his match-winning potential at the top of the order.
Ishan Kishan opens up on his game plan after blistering hundred
Despite the accolades and the Player of the Match award, Kishan struck a grounded note while reflecting on his innings. Speaking at the post-match presentation, he made it clear that personal milestones no longer dictate his approach at the crease. Instead, his mindset is firmly aligned with the team’s aggressive template.
Kishan revealed that the current Indian setup encourages batters to stay fearless, even when approaching personal landmarks. According to him, slowing down for milestones can cost the team vital runs in the death overs. If the ball is there to be hit, the expectation is simple — go hard. That clarity, he believes, has helped him free his mind and focus purely on impacting the game.
He admitted that while the century was satisfying, he does not consider himself a finished product. There is still room to grow, especially in maintaining consistency at the highest level. For Kishan, the real challenge lies in carrying this form forward and converting individual brilliance into sustained performances that benefit the team in big tournaments.
“That is the plan nowadays for each and every player in our team. Even if you are close to a milestone, it doesn’t really matter. If you start taking singles in those overs, you feel later that you could have gone bigger, and that makes a huge difference. If the ball is there to be hit, you have to go for it. You shouldn’t think about milestones, but focus on winning matches,” said Kishan.
World Cup ambitions drive Kishan’s hunger
What stood out most in Kishan’s comments was his clear-eyed focus on the bigger picture. The explosive batter openly stated that his main goal lies beyond bilateral success — firmly fixed on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. While his comeback series has been impressive, Kishan believes that winning the global showpiece will demand an extra level of effort, discipline, and consistency.
“It is satisfying, of course, but I still feel I am not there yet. I have done well and received these awards, but my main focus is on the World Cup. That is where the extra effort will be required. What is important is that we continue this form going forward,” added Kishan.
With his current form and fearless approach, expectations are already rising around what Kishan can deliver on the world stage. His ability to dominate bowling attacks in the powerplay and accelerate seamlessly through the middle overs makes him a vital asset in T20 cricket. If he continues on this trajectory, Kishan is well placed to impress one and all in the upcoming World Cup.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Ayush Badoni and Priyansh Arya included in India A squad for warm-up matches
