Suryakumar Yadav: Cricket fans, the buzz around India’s wicketkeeper race just got a calm reality check! After the explosive final T20I against New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram – where Ishan Kishan smashed a stunning maiden century and also kept wickets – many wondered if this was a big signal that Sanju Samson was losing his spot ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
But captain Suryakumar Yadav stepped up in the post-match press conference to set the record straight. He made it clear: there was no replacement drama here. The team had planned all along to share the wicketkeeping duties between the two keepers during the five-match series.
“Both keepers were in the XI from the first game since Tilak [Varma] wasn’t available,” Suryakumar explained. “We decided before the series started that Sanju Samson would keep in three matches and Ishan in two. Ishan missed the fourth game due to a small niggle, but he was always going to keep in this one.”
In the end, Samson batted as a pure specialist and struggled with just 6 runs off 6 balls. Meanwhile, Kishan lit up the Greenfield Stadium with a breathtaking 103 off 43 balls – full of power and confidence – to strengthen his case as a top wicketkeeper-batter option for the upcoming World Cup.
Suryakumar kept things positive about the injured players too. He gave good news on Tilak Varma, who’s bouncing back from testicular surgery.
“Tilak has been shaping up really well,” he said. “I spoke to him yesterday. He’s started batting, bowling, fielding – everything. He’ll play two practice games in Mumbai on the 2nd and 4th. I think that’s enough for him to get ready. Hopefully, we have him back soon.”
He also updated on all-rounder Washington Sundar, who’s recovering from a rib injury.
“Vashi is doing great too,” Suryakumar added. “We talked to both yesterday. Tilak is much better now, and Vashi has almost started bowling and batting again. He’s looking good – fingers crossed we get him back quickly.”
This comes at the perfect time as India wraps up their prep series with a strong 4-1 win over New Zealand. With the T20 World Cup kicking off soon (February 7 onwards), the team looks balanced and ready. Kishan’s form is a massive boost, but the door isn’t shut on anyone yet.
What a smart, no-nonsense approach from the skipper! Do you think this shared plan helps both keepers stay sharp, or is Kishan’s red-hot form making him the clear No.1 pick? Let us know your thoughts below – the World Cup hype is real!
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