Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan made a strong statement on his return to the Indian setup during the ongoing India vs New Zealand T20I series, underlining why he remains a serious contender for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Slotted back into the side after a period on the sidelines, Kishan looked in complete control as he produced a blistering counterattack that shifted momentum firmly in India’s favour.

India were under pressure early after losing both openers, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, inside the powerplay. With the top order dented, Kishan walked in with clear intent and immediately put the New Zealand bowlers on the back foot. He raced to a 21-ball half-century, combining clean ball-striking with smart shot selection to rescue India from a tricky position and rebuild the innings at pace.

WATCH – Hardik Pandya’s Stunning Juggle Catch Sends Devon Conway Packing in 2nd T20I

One moment that stood out — and quickly went viral — came on the third ball of the fifth over. Attempting a powerful pull shot, Kishan swung with full force, only for the bat to slip out of his hands and fly several metres away, evoking memories of Rishabh Pant’s trademark mishaps. In a light-hearted touch, Rachin Ravindra picked up the bat and returned it, while Kishan calmly gestured towards the dugout for a replacement before carrying on unfazed.

Just Ishan Kishan ‘s things 😂
Bat flew from hands 😂#IndvsNZ #IshanKishan #2ndt20i#IshanKishan pic.twitter.com/PrJ9EzP8nn

— Shivam Babu (@ShivamBabuYada4) January 23, 2026

The incident summed up Kishan’s confidence and clarity of mind. Rather than letting the moment disrupt his rhythm, he continued to attack, finding boundaries at will and forcing New Zealand to rethink their plans.

ALSO READ: Vinay Kumar Backs Suryakumar Yadav, Urges India Captain To Bat In His Best Position

Given India’s recent emphasis on aggressive middle-order batting and flexibility at the top, Kishan’s knock could not have come at a better time. With the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, performances like these significantly strengthen his case for a regular spot in the playing XI, especially as India look to defend their title with fearless intent and depth in batting.