In the world of cricket, where fortunes can change with a single innings, Ishan Kishan’s story stands out as a testament to resilience, hard work, and redemption. The young wicketkeeper-batter, once a rising star in Indian cricket, faced a series of setbacks that tested his mettle. But as detailed in a recent Doordarshan Sports video, Kishan’s journey back to the national team for the 2026 T20 World Cup is nothing short of inspirational. This article dives into the key moments from the video, exploring his toughest phases, turning points, and triumphant return.
The Downfall: Setbacks and Struggles
Kishan’s troubles began in late 2023 when he opted out of India’s tour of South Africa, citing mental fatigue and travel exhaustion. In his own words, “I was scoring runs and then I found myself on the bench—these things do happen in a team sport, but I experienced travel fatigue.” This decision led to a fallout with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), resulting in the loss of his central contract in early 2024. Dropped from the national setup, sidelined, and often written off by critics, Kishan found himself on the fringes of Indian cricket.
The video takes viewers behind the scenes of this challenging period, highlighting the emotional toll it took on the 27-year-old from Jharkhand. Kishan openly discussed battling self-doubt and the pressure of living up to early promise—he had burst onto the scene with explosive batting and agile keeping, even scoring a double century in ODIs. But inconsistent selections and form dips pushed him into a downward spiral. As veteran spinner R. Ashwin noted, Kishan’s path back was “long and uncomfortable,” but it was his respect for the game that kept him going.
The Turning Point: Domestic Grind and Personal Growth
What sets Kishan’s comeback apart is his unwavering commitment to domestic cricket, a route many modern players overlook in favor of lucrative T20 leagues. The video emphasizes how Kishan returned to the grind, shining in tournaments like the Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy. His performances were not just about piling on runs but demonstrating maturity and consistency—qualities the selectors had questioned earlier.
A pivotal influence in his revival was the Bhagavad Gita, which Kishan credited for helping him build resilience and a sense of purpose. “It wasn’t luck—it’s pure hard work,” Ashwin remarked, pointing out that Kishan’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad came from earning it through sheer effort, not handouts. The Doordarshan feature captures intimate moments, including training sessions and interactions with mentors, showing how he rebuilt his game from the ground up.
In the IPL 2025 season, playing for Mumbai Indians, Kishan rediscovered his aggressive flair, scoring crucial knocks that caught the selectors’ eye. With Shubman Gill struggling for form, Kishan struck while the iron was hot, forcing his way back into national reckoning.
The Triumphant Return: Securing a Spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup
The climax of the video is Kishan’s selection for India’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka—a berth that seemed improbable just months ago. The BCCI broke its silence on his inclusion, praising his domestic exploits and improved mindset. As the video narrates, this isn’t just a comeback; it’s “Ishan Kishan 2.0,” a more grounded and determined version ready to contribute to India’s quest for another title.
Kishan’s story resonates beyond cricket, serving as a reminder that setbacks are temporary if met with perseverance. As India gears up for the tournament, fans are eager to see him don the blue jersey again, potentially opening the innings or providing middle-order fireworks.
Why This Comeback Inspires
Ishan Kishan’s journey from the depths of despair to the pinnacle of world cricket encapsulates the essence of sport: it’s not about how you fall, but how you rise. The Doordarshan Sports video beautifully encapsulates this narrative, offering fans an in-depth look at the human side of a cricketer’s life. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket enthusiast or someone seeking motivation, Kishan’s tale proves that with hard work and the right mindset, redemption is always possible.
For more such inspiring stories, stay tuned to our website and check out the original video on YouTube. What are your thoughts on Kishan’s comeback? Share in the comments below!
