Ishan Kishan Reflects on Emotional Return to Indian Cricket Team After Two-Year Absence
The journey back to the Indian national cricket team has been nothing short of remarkable for Ishan Kishan, the 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batter who recently marked his return with stellar performances against New Zealand. After spending two years away from selection conversations, Kishan made a triumphant comeback by scoring 215 runs in just four matches, including one fifty and his maiden T20I century.
Maintaining Confidence During the Wilderness Period
In a candid appearance on the '2 Sloggers' podcast, Kishan opened up about the mental challenges he faced during his time away from the team. "After a point, you stop expecting," he admitted, highlighting the emotional toll of being out of favor. Despite this, Kishan never lost faith in his abilities. "I was confident, I said it too. It was not like I was holding myself back. You just have to keep going," he emphasized, reflecting on his mindset during those difficult years.
Kishan's confidence was evident even in a heartwarming moment captured on video, where he promised a fan he would give them his jersey once he returned to the India fold. This promise, made during his time away, symbolizes his unwavering belief in a comeback.
The Path to Redemption: Hard Work and Self-Reflection
Kishan's fall from grace began at the end of 2023 when he requested a break due to mental fatigue, which led to his rapid exclusion from the national team. For the next two years, he focused on domestic cricket, where his super form and a slice of luck eventually paved the way for his unlikely return. "You just have to keep working hard. As a cricketer, what else can we do? We have one job, to keep working, and to keep scoring runs and let the bat talk for ourselves," Kishan stated, underscoring the importance of perseverance.
His opportunity came when an injury to Tilak Varma allowed him to be announced as the backup wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup, leading to his selection in the recent series against New Zealand. Kishan seized this chance with open arms, delivering match-winning performances, including a brutal hundred in the final T20I in Trivandrum that not only solved India's No. 3 crisis but also threatened Sanju Samson's opening spot.
Focusing on Controllables and Personal Growth
During his time away, Kishan used the period for deep self-reflection, learning to focus on what he could control. "It's your job to score runs, it's your job to hold on to catches. Everything else will fall into place. That was my only plan," he explained. This philosophy, though cliché, proved effective as he maintained a positive outlook by staying connected with family and friends and concentrating on personal improvement.
Kishan's comeback story is a testament to resilience and self-belief in the face of adversity. His performances against New Zealand have not only solidified his place in the team but also inspired many aspiring cricketers to never give up on their dreams, regardless of the obstacles.
