Top News

With the T20 series between India and New Zealand underway, a key talking point has emerged even before the first match—Ishan Kishan batting at No. 3. Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed Kishan for the crucial position, a move being seen as part of India’s preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Given that Kishan last scored a duck when batting at No. 3 in T20 Internationals, questions are being raised about whether this is the right call. A closer look at the numbers, however, offers a more balanced picture.

What Is Ishan Kishan’s Record at No. 3 in T20Is?

Ishan Kishan has batted at No. 3 in four T20 International matches, scoring 114 runs at an average of 28.5, with nine sixes to his name. Interestingly, all four innings came on Indian soil. He has also registered two half-centuries while batting at this position.

Out of these four matches, three were against Australia and one against England.

When Did Kishan First Bat at No. 3?

Kishan first batted at No. 3 in a T20I against England in Ahmedabad on March 16, 2021, where he scored just four runs.

His most productive run at No. 3 came during the home T20I series against Australia in 2023, played under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy. In that series:

• He scored 58 runs in the first match

• Followed it up with 52 runs in the second

• But was dismissed for a duck in the third and final game on November 28

That duck remains his most recent T20I innings at No. 3.

A Comeback After Two Years

The ongoing New Zealand series marks not just Kishan’s return to the No. 3 spot, but also his comeback to T20 International cricket after nearly two years. This series presents him with a major opportunity—to justify the faith shown by the captain and team management and to cement his place in India’s T20I setup ahead of the World Cup.

Domestic Form That Forced a Recall

Kishan’s return to Team India has been driven by his explosive domestic performances. He was in outstanding form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025, where he captained Jharkhand to the title.

He finished as the tournament’s highest run-scorer, amassing 517 runs in 10 innings at a staggering strike rate of 197.32. His tally included 33 sixes, 51 fours, two centuries, and two half-centuries.

His strong form continued in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored 155 runs in three matches at an average of 51.66 and an eye-catching strike rate of 231.34, including a century.

Big Test Ahead

The New Zealand series is effectively a trailer for what lies ahead. If Ishan Kishan can replicate his domestic form at the international level, he will not only answer doubts about his suitability at No. 3 but also emerge as a key weapon for India heading into the T20 World Cup.