T20 World Cup: Why and how did Ishan Kishan return to India's T20 World Cup squad? Ravichandran Ashwin explained the reason. Find out here.

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has openly shared his views on Ishan Kishan's return to the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Ashwin believes this selection is not a result of any recommendation or coincidence, but rather a reward from cricket itself. According to him, the biggest reason for Ishan Kishan's return is that he gave cricket the respect it deserves.

Ishan Kishan has been included in the team as the second wicketkeeper-batsman. This comeback is a result of his outstanding performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he played a crucial role in leading Jharkhand to their first title and was the top run-scorer of the tournament.

'Life comes full circle.'

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said, "This is a gift from cricket to Ishan Kishan. Many people sitting outside might understand this, and some might even find this selection unfair. But life comes full circle. There is only one reason why Ishan wasn't in the team before, and why he has returned now. He gave cricket the respect it deserves." Ashwin's statement directly refers to the period when Ishan Kishan was out of the selectors' radar. Now, consistent hard work and performance in domestic cricket have brought him back to the national team.

Historic performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Ishan Kishan had an incredible performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025/26 season. He scored 517 runs in 10 innings, with an average of 57.44 and a strike rate of over 197.  He scored two centuries during this period, one of which came in the high-pressure final against Haryana. Under Ishan's leadership, Jharkhand won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for the first time, which proved to be a major turning point in his career.

Domestic cricket as the basis for selection

Ashwin highlighted Ishan Kishan's struggles in domestic cricket as the most important reason behind his return. He said that Ishan completely dedicated himself to the Buchi Babu Trophy, Ranji Trophy preparations, and first-class cricket. Ashwin said, "He played the Buchi Babu Trophy. A player like Ishan Kishan represented Jharkhand in the tournament held in Chennai. He was the number one performer in the Ranji Trophy preparations. He overcame every challenge in cricket, respected the game, and that's why he is successful today."

Dropped due to not playing domestic cricket

Ishan's cricketing journey has been remarkable. In 2022-23, he suddenly refused to play in South Africa. He returned home and disappeared from the scene. He was then told by selector Ajit Agarkar and then-coach Rahul Dravid that he would have to play domestic tournaments to make a comeback. However, Ishan refused to heed their advice. He was then removed from the central contract by the board. Now, he has managed to make a comeback based on his performance in domestic cricket.

World Cup Team Picture

The 15-member Indian team selected for the T20 World Cup will be captained by Suryakumar Yadav. Shubman Gill has been left out of the team due to fitness and form issues, while Axar Patel has been given the responsibility of vice-captain. India has been placed in Group A along with Namibia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and the USA. The Indian team will begin its campaign against the USA in Mumbai on February 7.