'Only consistent run-scoring can bring you back': Ishan Kishan on India return

'Only consistent run-scoring can bring you back': Ishan Kishan on India return

Ishan Kishan Photograph: (AFP)

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Ishan Kishan opened up about his time out of the national side, saying consistent performances with the bat are key to earning a recall.

India batter Ishan Kishan has opened up about his approach during his time away from the national team, emphasising that consistent performances with the bat are the only way to earn a recall to the Indian side. The star batter made a strong comeback in 2026 after being dropped in 2024 and losing his BCCI central contract. Following a break to focus on his mental well-being, Kishan worked his way back through steady domestic performances, including a notable run in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which helped him secure a place in India’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

He also stepped into a leadership role in IPL 2026, captaining Sunrisers Hyderabad in the absence of Pat Cummins. Speaking on JioHotstar after SRH’s five-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals, Kishan said he chose not to dwell on disappointment during his time out of the side and instead focused on improving his game.

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He explained that feeling sorry for oneself may bring sympathy but does little to change outcomes, adding that scoring runs consistently was the only path back into contention.

"When I wasn't playing and was out of the team, I told myself I can't cry or sulk about it. It's the easiest thing to do for any sportsman," Kishan said. "It might earn you sympathy, but it won't get you anywhere. The only thing that could have gotten me back into the reckoning was runs."

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The wicketkeeper-batter stressed the importance of consistency, adding that selection depends purely on performance. "Only consistent run-scoring can bring you back into the team. If 300 runs in a season are not enough, score 400; if not that, score 500," he said.

Kishan further reflected on how time away from the national side changed his perspective on the game. "At the end of the day, cricket is our daily bread. When you're out of the team, you understand its importance and start respecting every game. You become hungrier," he said.


He added that his focus remained on pushing himself to become a better batter, even if it meant taking an aggressive approach. "I just wanted to improve my game and score as many runs as I could, even if that meant hitting more sixes than any other batter," Kishan said.

With inputs from agencies

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Aditya Bhatia is a dynamic journalist with a strong passion for storytelling, whether it’s the thrill of live sports or the pulse of current affairs. While sports remain close to...Read More