Ishan Kishan’s Remarkable Comeback: A Journey Through Domestic Cricket
In 2023, Ishan Kishan was a key player for India across all formats. However, unexpected changes led to him losing his place on the team and missing out on a BCCI central contract. Determined to make a comeback, Kishan went back to domestic cricket, where he worked hard, scored impressive centuries in the Ranji Trophy, and notably gathered 517 runs, including two hundreds, while leading Jharkhand to victory in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
His excellent domestic performances soon secured him a BCCI contract and a spot back in India’s white-ball teams. But Test cricket remained a challenge, as Kishan hadn’t been a part of discussions about India’s plans for nearly three years.
That narrative began to shift with his outstanding score of 270 in the Duleep Trophy final. This significant innings doesn’t automatically guarantee his return, but it offers the selectors a solid performance to consider. Importantly, Kishan demonstrated his ability to stay at the crease for long stretches while still being the aggressive player that has made him a standout in white-ball cricket.
The timing of his innings couldn’t have been better. Following the announcement of India’s squad for the West Indies tour, chief selector Ajit Agarkar encouraged Kishan to focus on domestic performances. He rose to the occasion with his career-best innings.
Kishan batted continuously for 522 minutes, facing 334 balls and hitting 30 fours and seven sixes as East Zone finished with a remarkable total against South Zone. Coming back the next day at 111 not out, he continued his innings impressively.
Throughout his innings, Kishan adapted to various bowling styles. He didn’t always push to score; instead, he waited for the right moments, which reflects a maturity in his approach that may help him in red-ball cricket.
Kishan has acknowledged that playing frequently in T20 leagues impacted his decision-making, as this fast-paced format often calls for aggressive play, while Test cricket requires patience. However, in Chennai, he seemed to find the perfect balance between aggression and restraint.
Underlining Kishan’s commitment to improving, he mentioned that he had been working on his red-ball skills at the BCCI Centre of Excellence before heading to the Duleep Trophy. “I was practicing specifically for the red ball. Regular T20s can make a player overly aggressive,” he explained.
His transformative approach was evident in his innings. While he didn’t abandon his natural style, he became more selective about when to unleash his aggression. This adjustment is crucial for a player known for his attacking instincts, making his 270 more than just another significant score.
Off the field, Kishan’s time away from the Indian squad helped him shed some of the pressure that had been affecting him. He now views his role clearly: “When I was out of the squad, I realized that my only job is to score runs. That focus has helped ease the burden of overthinking,” he shared.
His performances have certainly reflected this new mindset. After scoring multiple centuries in the Ranji Trophy during the 2025-26 season, he also played a pivotal role in Jharkhand’s triumph in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, leading to his return to India’s T20I and ODI squads along with his BCCI contract.
However, breaking back into the Test team will not be easy. Rishabh Pant is still the go-to wicketkeeper when fit, and with other options like Dhruv Jurel and KL Rahul, Kishan faces a tough competition. Nevertheless, his remarkable 270 cannot be overlooked, showing he can play a prolonged innings while maintaining the aggressive style that suits limited-overs cricket.
With India’s next Test series in New Zealand fast approaching, Kishan’s fate will depend on his performances leading up to it. For the first time in nearly three years, he has given the selectors plenty to think about when it comes to his inclusion in Test cricket.
In conclusion, Ishan Kishan’s journey serves as a reminder of resilience and the power of hard work, as he aims to make his mark once more in all formats of the game.
