India's T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav hailed Ishan Kishan for his contribution in the recently concluded tournament. Kishan's return to international cricket has been a story of redemption. The wicketkeeper-batter amassed a mountain of runs and forced his way into the T20 World Cup squad.
India's Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan pose with the trophy after winning the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup final. (AFP)
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He was initially just a back-up, but sensational knocks in the bilateral New Zealand series just before the World Cup and Sanju Samson's poor form saw Kishan start the campaign for India.
Later, Samson returned, and it paid dividends, as the combination with Abhishek reaped benefits. Meanwhile, Kishan showcased his brilliance in the final at no. 3.
‘Will you win the World Cup for me?’
Speaking to ICC, Suryakumar opened up about his conversation with Kishan while picking the team for the World Cup and the question he asked him. "Before the tournament, I still remember when we were picking the team. I had a call with him and I told him, ‘Will you win the World Cup for me?’", he said.
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"He said, just show a little bit of trust and I'll do it. And he didn't disappoint. In the last two years, he has missed out on a lot of international cricket, but then he went back to domestic cricket, played his part, did those hard yards, came back again into the Indian side, and did the best what he's known to do," he added.
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"He said, just show a little bit of trust and I'll do it. And he didn't disappoint. In the last two years, he has missed out on a lot of international cricket, but then he went back to domestic cricket, played his part, did those hard yards, came back again into the Indian side, and did the best what he's known to do," he added.
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Kishan was key in the top order during the World Cup, registering 317 runs in nine matches at an average of 35.22 and 193 strike rate.
He was also India's second-highest run-scorer in the tournament, registering three half-centuries. His performances with the bat in the tournament also saw him move to second position in the ICC T20I rankings for batters. Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma remains on top after his 18-ball half-century in the final.
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Samson's return saw the former RR start to grab the chance with both hands. He got three consecutive 80-plus scores in the last three matches, finishing with 321 runs. It is also the highest by an Indian at a single T20 World Cup edition, and he also received the Player of the Tournament.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
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Home/Cricket/'Will you win the World Cup for me?': Suryakumar Yadav recalls Ishan Kishan phone call before final squad selection
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