India captain Suryakumar Yadav has all but confirmed Ishan Kishan as the opener for the 2026 FIFA World Cup T20 against USA. Kishan started for India in the warm-up against South Africa and scored a whopping 53 (20) before retiring. Regular opener Sanju Samson did not get a chance to play in the warm-up, further signaling that Kishan will move up to the top of the order.
Before India’s opening match against USA Suryakumar was full of praise for Kishanmentions how he left everyone stunned during his comeback in the recent series against New Zealand. When asked if Kishan will open the innings at the World Cup, Suryakumar expressed hope that the left-hander will continue his aggressive approach throughout the tournament and stated that he will not bat below No.3 during the competition.
“Certainly, look at the way he played in the last few matches. We noticed it when we got up from our seats because it was international cricket. But if you look closely, he played the same way in domestic cricket. Even in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he batted in the same way and continued with that approach. He played at No. 3 in the T20I series, he was hoping to play. whichever position he bats in, I don’t think he will he will bat at No. 3. But whatever opportunity he gets, I hope he will bat in the same way,” Suryakumar said at the pre-match press conference.
How has Samson done since 2025?
Opening batsman Sanju Samson ended the recent New Zealand series with 46 runs from five innings, with a top score of 24 in the fourth T20I. His numbers as an opener in T20Is since 2025 are alarming as he has managed just 134 runs from 11 innings at an average of 12.18, with a top score of 37.
On the other hand, Ishan Kishan amassed 215 runs from four innings at an average of 53.75 and a strike rate of 231.18. He played a match-winning knock of 76 (32) in the second T20I, followed by a breathtaking century of 103 off 43 balls in the fifth match.
With Kishan starting in the warm-up match and Tilak Varma scoring 45 (19) on his return from injury, the duo seems to have secured their places in the playing eleven for the opening match. Samson, meanwhile, is likely to sit on the bench given his poor form.
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Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
February 6, 2026
