After two years away from international cricket, Ishan Kishan returned with a statement innings, blasting a 24-ball 61 to power India men’s national cricket team to a 93-run victory over Namibia’s men’s national cricket team at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Kishan’s comeback has been steady rather than meteoric. After stepping away citing mental fatigue following the 2023 South Africa tour, the 27-year-old rebuilt form in domestic cricket and forced his way back with a prolific T20I return against New Zealand.
In Mumbai, he announced himself emphatically: a scorching Powerplay display that included four consecutive sixes and a boundary off JJ Smit before reaching a 20-ball half-century that swung the match decisively.
Sanju Samson provided an early flourish with a rapid 22, but Kishan took control thereafter. The left-hander’s 61 from 24 balls, featuring six fours and five sixes, was an object lesson in combining intent with calm. “I’m a changed man now. I don’t get into it too much… More time and energy has been spent concentrating on my batting and wicketkeeping,” he said after the game.
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India’s 209/9 proved more than Namibia could handle. A crucial middle-order cameo from Hardik Pandya (52 off 28) and late hitting from Shivam Dube pushed India to a commanding total despite a brief death-overs wobble.
for everyone who’s been following ishan kishan since his international debut knows exactly how true this is. there’s a world of difference between ishan of 2023 and ishan of today. it feels like he’s finally left boyhood behind and emerged like man reborn. pic.twitter.com/T3fnJTafnu
— pagal hi hu main (non suspended 😋) (@eejanaigay) February 12, 2026
His 61 arrived at a blistering strike-rate that swung momentum early and allowed India to press the accelerator in the middle overs. Opponents now face the headache of containing such rapid starts while managing lines and lengths to avoid similar carnage. The innings also give the coaching staff comfort in selection decisions.
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Since his return, he has hit two fifties and a century in six matches, forcing selection headaches. The innings will boost India’s early-tournament confidence and send a warning to rivals: underestimate him at your peril, especially in powerplay overs and intensity.
Ultimately, the win underlined the value of Kishan’s return: an opener who can seize the powerplay, give India explosive starts and hand the finishers a platform. After exile, he has come back calm, combative and utterly effective.
