In a stunning display of power-hitting and leadership, Ishan Kishan announced his return to form in the most emphatic way possible, guiding Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title with a breathtaking century in the final on Thursday. The out-of-favour India wicketkeeper-batter, playing his first competitive tournament after a prolonged break from the national team, silenced his critics with a blistering 101 runs off just 49 deliveries against Haryana.
A Captain's Knock for the History Books
Leading Jharkhand from the front, Kishan turned the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final into a one-man show. His explosive innings, studded with 10 sixes and 8 fours, propelled his side to a mammoth total of 262 for 3. He forged a devastating 177-run partnership for the second wicket with Kumar Kushagra, who contributed a swift 81 off 38 balls. Facing a near-impossible target, Haryana were bowled out for 193, handing Jharkhand a commanding 69-run victory and their first-ever domestic T20 championship.
This triumph was the perfect culmination of a sensational tournament for the 27-year-old southpaw. Kishan finished as the undisputed leading run-scorer, amassing 517 runs from 10 innings at a staggering strike rate of 197.32, which included two centuries.
Kishan Opens Up on India Omission and Mental Battle
The victory provided the backdrop for Kishan to finally address his extended absence from the Indian cricket team. Having been sidelined since 2023 due to disciplinary issues under the previous team management led by coach Rahul Dravid and selector Ajit Agarkar, Kishan admitted the phase was challenging.
"When I was not selected in the Indian team, I felt quite bad because I was doing well," Kishan told Sportstar. "But I told myself that if I am not selected with this sort of performance, then maybe I have to do more. Maybe I have to make my team win."
He emphasized the importance of mental fortitude for young athletes facing setbacks. "It's important that you don't allow the frustration to get to you. This is my message to all the youngsters — frustration is something that will take you one step down. You need to put in a lot of hard work, believe in yourself and focus on what you need to achieve," he advised.
Looking Ahead: World Cup Dreams and Personal Growth
Despite this monumental performance, Kishan is widely considered a long shot for selection in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, the cricketer revealed he has made peace with the situation. "I know you fancy your chances a lot of times. And when you don't see your name, you just feel bad about it. So, I'm not in that zone anymore. I'm not expecting anything," he stated with a smile. "But my job is to just keep performing."
For Kishan, this domestic title holds a special place in his career. "It is definitely the happiest moment because we have never won a domestic tournament under my captaincy," he said. The experience has also reinforced his self-belief: "Now, I have more trust in myself, more belief in my batting."
The Jharkhand bowlers, led by Anukul Roy, efficiently defended the huge total. Yashvardhan Dalal's fighting fifty for Haryana was the only notable resistance in a chase that never truly gained momentum. With this victory, Ishan Kishan has not only secured a historic trophy for his state but has also sent a powerful reminder of his talent and resilience to the national selectors.
