Not satisfied despite 103 as Ishan Kishan sets sights on T20 World Cup 2026

Ishan Kishan opens up on blazing ton [Source: @LoyalSachinFan/X.com]India batter Ishan Kishan has said that he is not completely satisfied despite a brilliant comeback to the national team during the New Zealand series. The left-hander made a strong statement by scoring his maiden T20I century in the fifth and final match of the series.Kishan smashed 103 runs off 43 balls in Thiruvananthapuram on January 31. He brought up his hundred in just 42 balls, hitting six fours and ten sixes during the innings. Ishan Kishan not fully content despite maiden T20I tonHis knock helped India post a massive total of 271/5 in 20 overs. India eventually went on to win the match by 46 runs. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. However, the batter said individual success means little if it does not lead to bigger achievements.He added that his main focus is on winning the T20 World Cup in 2026. According to him, that goal will require continued hard work and consistency.“It is satisfying, of course, but I still feel I am not there yet. I have done well and received these awards, but my main focus is on the World Cup. That is where the extra effort will be required. What is important is that we continue this form going forward,” Kishan said in post-match press conference. Team philosophy over personal milestonesIshan Kishan also spoke about his aggressive approach during the innings, especially while nearing his century. He said he did not think about slowing down to reach the milestone.The Indian batter explained that the team has moved away from chasing personal records. The focus, he said, is on scoring as many runs as possible for the team.“That is the plan nowadays for each and every player in our team. Even if you are close to a milestone, it doesn’t really matter. If you start taking singles in those overs, you feel later that you could have gone bigger, and that makes a huge difference. If the ball is there to be hit, you have to go for it. You shouldn’t think about milestones, but focus on winning matches,” he added.He said taking singles just to reach a landmark can cost the team valuable runs at the end. Ishan Kishan added that if the ball is there to be hit, players are encouraged to go for big shots instead of thinking about personal achievements.Strong series finish boosts Kishan’s World Cup chancesKishan’s comeback series had a mixed start. He was dismissed for 8 runs in the first T20I, marking his return to international cricket after more than two years. However, he soon turned the situation around in the second match. In the second T20I, Ishan Kishan smashed a match-winning 76 off 32 balls, which helped India chase down 209 in just 15.2 overs.He carried that form into the final game, ending the series on a high note. The left-hander scored 215 runs in four innings during the series. He finished with an average of 53.75 and an impressive strike rate of 231.18.His performances have strengthened his case for a regular spot in India’s T20I playing XI. Kishan is now being considered as a strong candidate to open the innings along with Abhishek Sharma, especially when Sanju Samson is struggling to get going.