Suryakumar Yadav Confirms Ishan Kishan to Bat at Crucial No. 3 Spot for New Zealand T20I Series

India captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that Mumbai Indians star Ishan Kishan will bat at the crucial number three position during the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, starting in Nagpur. This announcement signals the management's confidence in the left-handed wicketkeeper-batter following his impressive domestic comeback.

Kishan's elevation comes after a nearly two-year absence from the national team, driven by his sensational form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, where he led Jharkhand to their maiden title and finished as the tournament's highest run-scorer. Suryakumar Yadav emphasized that Kishan's inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad justified his selection ahead of other contenders.

This series is viewed as a vital dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup, and Kishan's performance in this key batting position will be closely monitored by the selectors as India seeks to establish a stable top order. The management views Kishan as an important middle-order option heading into the marquee event.