Irfan Pathan Applauds Selectors for Bold Ishan Kishan Decision
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has publicly commended the Indian cricket selectors for their courageous decision to recall Ishan Kishan to the national team based on his outstanding domestic performances. This move involved the difficult choice of omitting established opener Shubman Gill, demonstrating the selectors' commitment to rewarding current form over reputation.
Kishan's Remarkable Comeback Journey
Ishan Kishan made a triumphant return to the Indian cricket team after a two-year absence from international cricket. His path back to the national side was paved with exceptional performances in domestic tournaments, most notably his dominant display in the 2025-26 edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy where he emerged as the tournament's leading run-scorer.
"The selectors deserve credit for bringing back Ishan Kishan on the back of his domestic performances," Pathan emphasized on his YouTube channel. "They deserve credit because it's not easy because you drop a player like Shubman Gill and then you draft Kishan, who performed in domestic cricket."
Seizing the Opportunity with Match-Winning Performances
Kishan was included in India's T20I squad for the five-match series against New Zealand ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, where he immediately justified the selectors' faith. The left-handed batsman-wicketkeeper delivered a spectacular century in the fifth and final match of the series, showcasing his explosive batting capabilities.
Pathan particularly highlighted Kishan's assault on New Zealand leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, where the Indian batsman hammered 29 runs in a single over. "He was all over a senior bowler, who has performed quite well for New Zealand," Pathan noted, adding that Kishan's improved off-side game has become particularly noticeable in his recent performances.
Fitness and Versatility Strengthen Kishan's Case
The former cricketer also pointed to Kishan's impressive fitness levels, especially evident when he kept wickets immediately after scoring his century. "The fitness is also there to see as he kept wickets after scoring a ton and he got an opportunity to peak at the right time," Pathan observed.
With Sanju Samson failing to deliver consistent performances in the home series and Tilak Varma returning from injury, Kishan's versatility provides valuable options for the Indian team management. "Kishan has told the selectors not to bench him despite Tilak Varma's return," Pathan remarked. "It also means batting at the top is not a problem for Kishan."
Looking Ahead to the T20 World Cup
Pathan expressed confidence in Kishan's abilities, particularly on batting-friendly pitches. "It will be interesting to see how he plays on a slow wicket on the off-side. But it seems impossible to stop Kishan on pitches where it's flat and the ball comes on to the bat well," he concluded.
India's campaign to defend their T20 World Cup title begins next Sunday against the United States, with Kishan's form and fitness providing crucial momentum for the team's preparations.
