T20 World Cup 2026:'I’m a changed man' - Ishan Kishan opens up on his mindset since India comeback

After two years away from the national setup, Ishan Kishan returned to the Indian team with a bang. His 24-ball 61 against Namibia in the T20 World Cup guided India to a 93-run victory at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Kishan’s return to the Indian team has been anything but straightforward. After citing mental fatigue during the 2023 South Africa tour, the 27-year-old spent nearly two years out of the national reckoning.

Since his comeback in the T20I series against New Zealand, he has hit two fifties and a century in six matches, forcing his way back into India’s first-choice XI. Against Namibia, Kishan dominated the Powerplay. After Sanju Samson added 22 off 8 balls, Kishan took on the opposition bowlers. In the final over of the Powerplay, he smashed four consecutive sixes and a boundary off JJ Smit, racing to a 20-ball half-century.

“I’m a changed man now. I don’t get into it too much. I do enjoy jokes and everything, I still do it. But earlier, I used to do it 24×7. Now, let’s say it’s only a few hours a day. More time and energy has been spent concentrating on my batting and wicketkeeping," he said about his period in exile from the national team.

India reached 86/1 in six overs, their third-highest T20I Powerplay total, and reached 100 in just 6.5 overs, the fastest team hundred in T20 World Cup history. Kishan’s 61 off 24 balls, laced with six fours and five sixes, came at a strike rate of over 250. However, he stated there is more method to his approach.

“I do take singles as well. I defend the good balls. I don’t know if I have put in a lot of work in changing my style. I keep it simple. Rather than rushing and getting excited and playing those shots, which I already had, I stay calm and try to play the ball. Sometimes, in international cricket, you get overexcited in trying to play those shots. I’ve just tried to cut those moments out," he added.

India eventually posted 209/9, with Hardik Pandya contributing 52 and Shivam Dube adding runs in the fag end of the innings. Despite a minor collapse at the death, the total proved far beyond Namibia’s reach. India bundled them out for 116, sealing a 93-run win.