Sanju Samson Ishan Kishan. Image Credits: X
Ishan Kishan blasted 53 runs from just 20 balls against South Africa in the warm-up match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on February 4. Opening the innings at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai alongside Abhishek Sharma, the blistering left-hander clattered two fours and seven huge sixes before retiring himself out inside the powerplay.
The innings helped Ishan Kishan re-affirm his status as India’s new opener just in time for the launch of the 2026 T20 World Cup later this week. The cricketer himself confirmed the hostile takeover of Sanju Samson’s position while speaking with the broadcasters after India’s thumping win.
Ishan Kishan confirms replacing Sanju Samson
Ishan Kishan made his return to international cricket last month for India’s five-match home T20I series against New Zealand. Batting at number three in all his four appearances, the comeback man justified his return call by plundering 215 runs at an average of 53.75 and with a staggering strike rate of 231.18.
In the fifth T20I in Thiruvananthapuram, Ishan Kishan rained down on New Zealand bowlers with an electrifying 103 off 43 balls. He also belted a match-winning 32-ball 76 in Raipur as India made lightwork of its 209-run chase.
With his prolific run at number three, Ishan Kishan was promoted up the batting order as an opener for the warm-up match of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. Another decisive knock in the warm-up against South Africa has now put him on the pole position to open the innings at the showpiece event itself.
The 27-year-old also pretty much confirmed his late promotion after the warm-up match in Navi Mumbai. While speaking with the Star Sports network, he said “I found out a day before the game. I was very much excited for this opportunity, because I always wanted to open the innings. Batting at number 3, I enjoyed that situation. But with World Cup coming up, even if was supposed to bat at any number, I was just looking forward to do my best regardless.”
Ishan Kishan’s gain a loss for Sanju Samson
In contrast, Sanju Samson underwent a series to forget against New Zealand. After getting promoted as India’s opener at an expense of a struggling Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson failed to make the most of his opportunities at the top of the order.
The attacking wicketkeeper-batter listed just 46 runs in five innings at a dismal average of 9.20. The cricketer was also withheld by captain Suryakumar Yadav in the warm-up match against South Africa, and will likely return to the middle-order in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 if he receives an opportunity in the playing XI.
India to face USA on February 7
With the opening slot seemingly locked, Team India will now face the USA team in their first Group A match of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup this week. The match will be hosted by the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday, February 7.
The Indian team will also go up against fellow Group A competitors like Namibia on February 12, Pakistan on February 15 and Netherlands on February 18. However, their match against Pakistan will likely be a forfeit affair if the Pakistan government does not change its stance by the time.
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