Get ready to witness history in the making! Ishan Kishan has just shattered records and ignited a debate about his place in India’s T20I squad. In a jaw-dropping display of power-hitting, Kishan blazed a 45-ball century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final, propelling Jharkhand to their first-ever title. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Kishan’s heroics have surpassed MS Dhoni’s six-hitting record and matched Abhishek Sharma’s century tally, he’s still not a guaranteed pick for the national team. Why? Let’s dive in.
Kishan, leading Jharkhand as their wicketkeeper-batter, smashed an astonishing 101 off just 49 balls, including 10 sixes and 6 fours. This wasn’t just any century—it was his fifth in the tournament, tying him with Abhishek Sharma for the most hundreds in SMAT history. But that’s not all. Kishan’s 33 sixes in the 2025 edition are the most by any wicketkeeper-captain in T20 cricket, domestic or international, surpassing legends like MS Dhoni (30 sixes in IPL 2018) and Nicholas Pooran (30 in ILT20 2023-24). Is this enough to secure his spot in India’s T20I squad? The jury’s still out.
Kishan’s blistering form—517 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 197.32—has been nothing short of phenomenal. His partnership with Kumar Kushagra (81 off 38 balls) in the final was a masterclass in aggression, setting a towering target of 262 for 3. Jharkhand’s bowlers, led by Anukul Roy’s early breakthroughs, then dismantled Haryana for 193, despite Yashvardhan Dalal’s valiant 53. But here’s the part most people miss: despite these achievements, Kishan is still behind Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma in the national team’s pecking order. Does domestic dominance deserve international recognition? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Kishan’s century wasn’t just about runs; it was a statement. His one-handed six over extra cover to reach the milestone was a moment of sheer brilliance. Yet, his last T20I appearance for India was back in 2023 against Australia. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon and the selectors meeting soon, Kishan’s performance couldn’t have come at a better time. But will it be enough to convince the BCCI? And this is the part most people miss: while Kishan’s stats are undeniable, the competition for India’s wicketkeeping slot is fiercer than ever.
Haryana’s chase was a tale of early collapses and missed opportunities. Losing their top order for just 2 runs within the first two overs set the tone for their downfall. Dalal’s half-century provided a glimmer of hope, but Anukul Roy’s double strike in one over sealed their fate. Jharkhand’s victory wasn’t just a win—it was a declaration of their arrival as a force in domestic T20 cricket, becoming the 12th state to lift the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
As the dust settles, the question remains: Will Ishan Kishan’s record-breaking performance earn him a T20I recall? Or will he remain on the fringes, a domestic superstar waiting for his international breakthrough? What do you think? Is Kishan ready for the big stage, or is the competition simply too tough? Share your opinions below!
