3 reasons why Ishan Kishan should open for India in T20 World Cup 2026

Ishan Kishan has shown an incredible form in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand.

Wicket-keeper batsman Ishan Kishan has made a stunning comeback to Indian Cricket Team after two years following his heroics in domestic cricket. The left-handed batsman gave an incredible performance in the T20 tournament Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025 last month, finishing as the highest run-scorer and leading his team Jharkhand to the title.

Kishan has been picked in India’s squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will commence on February 7. He is also part of the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, through which the Indian Cricket Team is preparing for the multi-national tournament.

In Tilak Varma’s absence due to injury, Kishan has been allotted number-three spot in India vs New Zealand T20I series. After failing make a mark in the opening game, he rocked the field in the second clash. Smacking quickfire 76 runs off 32 deliveries with 11 boundaries and four sixes, the 27-year-old justified his comeback to the national team.

Notably, Kishan usually plays as an opener but has been given the one-down slot in the T20I series against the Black Caps. He owns extensive experience as an opener and can be a good choice at the top order. On that note, below are three reasons why Ishan Kishan should open for India in T20 World Cup 2026.

3 reasons why Ishan Kishan should open for India in T20 World Cup 2026

3. Outstanding form

Kishan showed a wonderful form in domestic cricket last month and has carried forward that performance in the ongoing T20I series against the Black Caps.

He got out for a single digit in the opening game but made a stunning comeback in the second T20I with his blistering fifty to win the Player of the Match award, before scoring 13-ball-28 in the third clash.

With his efficiency to clear boundaries, he can provide more firepower to India’s batting in the powerplay overs and help to get quickfire starts.

2. Matches Abhishek’s aggressive style

Abhishek Sharma is a hard-hitting opening batter who has the ability to smack opposition bowlers all over the park from the start. Kishan matches his style, which was evident in the recent 2nd T20I against the Kiwis in Raipur.

Both the left-handed batters can score at a high strike rate right from the start, which will help the Men-in-Blue to dominate opposition bowlers in T20 World Cup 2026. Their aggressive batting style makes them a commendable pair at the opening slot.

1. Sanju Samson’s struggles

India promoted Sanju Samson as an opener ahead of T20 World Cup 2026, however, he has struggled with his form in the IND vs NZ T20I series. Across three games, the right-handed batter has registered scores of 10, 6, and 0.

Amid his dismal form and poor batting show at the top order, the Suryakumar Yadav & Co. cannot risk appointing him as an opener in the T20 World Cup.

In such a scenario, Kishan would be a better candidate as he has proven his mettle with the bat in recent times. Moreover, Samson is a flexible batter and can be adjusted in the middle-order.

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