Ishan Kishan made the most of his opportunity on Wednesday with a statement innings in Raipur. After India lost two quick wickets, Kishan counter attacked with fine precision to power India to a rollicking start in the powerplay. The left-hander smashed a 21-ball half-century, signaling his hitting prowess ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Ishan Kishan made a statement ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday. The left-hander batting at No.3 played a counter-attacking innings in front of a packed house in the IND vs NZ 2nd T20I in Raipur. Kishan smashed his half-century inside the powerplay to put India on top of the huge run chase.

India lost both Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma with the score just 6. Kishan paid no heed to that, piercing gaps with ease. With each passing delivery, the left-hander looked more comfortable, clearing the fence at regular intervals. He reached his fifty in 21 balls, in just his second game since his comeback.

Kishan's knock comes at a time when he has forced himself into India's ICC T20 World Cup 2026 squad. It is his 7th half-century in T20Is and came in a game when both of India's openers departed early. The Men in Blue have grown reliant on Abhishek Sharma, but Kishan offered them a glimpse of having a dynamite at No.3 should the opener not fire.

He eventually managed 76 off just 32 balls, setting up India's record win. The left-hander struck 11 boundaries and 4 sixes in a brutal boundary hitting display. 68 off Kishan's 76 came in boundaries, with a hit to the fence in less than 3 deliveries.

On a day where Sanju Samson failed to score runs, Kishan has shown his worth. The two star batters are locked in competition for the wicket-keeper's slot. While Sanju has the head start, performances like this from Kishan will keep him on his toes.

It was a hitting display mirroring Abhishek Sharma's efforts for India over the past year or so. Should he keep going, Kishan could very well be making a spot in the XI for himself.