IND vs NZ: Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav reveals reason behind Ishan Kishan keeping wickets in T20I final

The final showdown of the high-octane T20I series between India And New Zealand at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, on January 31, 2026, was more than just a dead rubber. While India had already secured the series, the atmosphere in Kerala was electric as local heroes Sanju Samson took the field. However, a tactical shift during the second innings Ishan Kishan Donning the gloves instead of Samson has sent social media into a frenzy and sparked intense speculation about India’s favorite stumbling block for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup.

Suryakumar Yadav explains why Ishan Kishan kept wickets during 5th T20I

The Indian captain addresses the post-match press conference Suryakumar Yadav was quick to clear the air. He revealed that the decision was far from a last-minute response to Samson’s recent form or Kishan’s blistering century. According to the captain, the team management had already developed a specific rotation policy before the start of the series.

The presence of both Kishan and Samson in the XI was necessitated by the absence of Tilak Varmawho is currently recovering from surgery. This gave the management a unique opportunity to test both goalkeepers under match conditions. Suryakumar explained that the plan was to divide the five-match series systematically: Samson would continue to play the first three matches, while Kishan would play the last two.

“So, we had decided before the series that three games would be held by Sanju Samson and two games would be held by Ishan. Ishan unfortunately missed the last match due to a small matter, but he would keep wickets in this match regardless.,” Suryakumar stated in the post-match presentation.

He further noted that even though Kishan missed the fourth T20I due to a minor niggle, he was always the designated keeper for the Thiruvananthapuram final. Although the statement was based on logistics, fans and pundits couldn’t help but notice the timing. With India’s World Cup opener against the USA scheduled for February 7, Kishan’s conduct of match practice behind the stumps indicates he may be the front-runner for the primary wicketkeeping role.

Also READ: Fans cheer Ishan Kishan and Arshdeep Singh after India crushes New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram T20I to seal series 4-1

Ishan Kishan’s century blitz gives India a 4-1 win over New Zealand

If his glovework was a point of contention, Kishan’s batting was a statement of absolute authority. On a surface that rewarded brave strokeplay, Kishan played a different class and smashed his maiden T20I century. His breathtaking 103 off just 43 balls was a masterclass in modern T20 power-hitting, with 6 boundaries and a whopping 10 sixes.

Kishan’s aggression at the top, combined with a trademark 63 off 30 balls from Suryakumar and a late inning flourish from Hardik Pandya (42 off 17), took India to a mammoth 271/5. This total stands at India’s third highest in T20I history, leaving New Zealand’s bowlers with nowhere to hide.

Despite a valiant effort from Kiwis’ Finn Allen, who quickly reached 80, the Indian bowling unit was ruthless. Arshdeep Singh put in a career-best performance to claim a five-wicket haul (5/51), while Axar Patel‘s 3/33 saw the Black Caps bowled out for 225. The 46-run win not only gave India a 4-1 series victory but also confirmed that the “Men in Blue” are heading for the T20 World Cup 2026 with their engines firing on all cylinders.

Also READ: India captain Suryakumar Yadav shatters major record with explosive knock against New Zealand in 5th T20I