Explained: Why did Ishan Kishan keep wickets in 5th T20I vs New Zealand?

Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav has revealed the key reason behind Ishan Kishan keeping wickets in the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand as India bagged a 4-1 T20I series win quite comfortably after their 46-run win in Trivandrum.

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Speaking at the post-match press conference, Surya disclosed that the team management wanted to go ahead with Sanju Samson as a keeper for the initial three games and Kishan for the last two games. 

However, with Kishan missing out on the fourth T20I due to a niggle, Samson continued to keep wickets. Nevertheless, Kishan made his comeback in the fifth T20I, getting a chance to keep wickets ahead of the much-awaited ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.

"I think both the keepers were playing since game one, as Tilak was not available. So, we had decided before the series that three games would be kept by Sanju Samson and two games would be kept by Ishan," Suryakumar said during the post-match press conference.

"Ishan unfortunately missed the last game because of a niggle, but he was anyway going to keep wickets in this match," he added.

Furthermore, Suryakumar also gave injury updates on Tilak Varma, who is recovering from testicular surgery, and Washington Sundar, who is recovering from a rib injury, adding that the duo has been shaping up well to recover in time for the mega event.

"Tilak Varma has been shaping up well. I heard he is playing two games in Bombay on the 2nd and the 4th. I think two games are enough. I spoke to him only yesterday. He has started batting, bowling, fielding - everything. So hopefully, we should have him soon," he stated.

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"I think Vashi is also doing well. We spoke to both of them (Tilak and Washington) yesterday. Tilak is much better. Vashi has almost started his bowling and batting. He is also looking good. Hopefully, we get him back soon," he concluded.

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