![Virat Kohli consoled 'broken' Ishan Kishan [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1770103808064_Ishan Kishan and Virat Kohli.jpg)
Virat Kohli consoled 'broken' Ishan Kishan [Source: AFP]
Ishan Kishan has been in the spotlight recently, and for all the right reasons. After spending nearly two years grinding in domestic cricket and losing his BCCI central contract, the young wicketkeeper-batter has made a powerful comeback to international cricket.
Notably, Ishan Kishan’s hard work paid off when he earned a spot in the Indian squad for the New Zealand series and the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.
It is worth mentioning that his selection for the New Zealand series became a turning point. In his first three matches after returning, he scored 76, 28, and a brilliant 103, clearly showing that he meant business.
Therefore, it now looks very likely that he could open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma at the T20 World Cup.
Ishan Kishan’s difficult phase during IPL 2021
Although Ishan is doing well now, things were not always this smooth. Going back to 2021, he was struggling badly while playing for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Just a year earlier, he had an outstanding season, scoring 516 runs and playing a memorable 99-run knock against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
However, in IPL 2021, he managed only 241 runs in 10 matches. His poor form was clearly visible, and he looked mentally exhausted.
Virat Kohli’s gesture that touched hearts
During a match between Mumbai Indians and RCB in 2021, former cricketer Ian Bishop described Ishan as a “broken young man” on air. Soon after the match, Virat Kohli walked up to Ishan, spoke to him, and tried to comfort him.
The visuals showed Ishan standing quietly next to Kohli, clearly emotional. Later, Ishan revealed that Kohli’s words came at the perfect time and that he was fighting back tears while listening to him.
Ishan Kishan opens up about that moment
In a recent interview on the 2 Sloggers Podcast, Ishan Kishan spoke openly about that emotional incident. He said he was extremely sad and was trying hard not to cry. He avoided talking to anyone and just lay there quietly.
“I was very sad during another match. Remember a video had come, where I was on the verge of crying before Virat bhai consoled me. Bas kisi tarah se aansu roke huye thhe (I just somehow managed to hold back tears). He [Virat] must have seen me just lying there. Poor kid; he probably must be thinking too much,” Ishan said.
Interestingly, fate had something special planned. The very next year, Virat Kohli was at the non-striker’s end when Ishan smashed a record-breaking double century off just 121 balls, surpassing Chris Gayle’s record.
Together, they added 290 runs for India’s second wicket, turning a painful memory into a historic moment.
It is also important to note that despite his poor IPL 2021 form, Mumbai Indians showed immense faith in Ishan by buying him back for ₹15.25 crore in the IPL 2022 auction. This trust paid off, as Ishan bounced back strongly, scoring 418 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 133.88.
