“I Was Holding Back Tears”: Ishan Kishan Reveals How Virat Kohli Helped Him Through Tough Phase

New Delhi: Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has opened up about an emotional moment from his career, revealing how Virat Kohli supported him during a difficult phase in the 2021 Indian Premier League. Kishan, who recently returned to India’s T20 setup after a long absence, shared the incident during a podcast appearance.

The 28-year-old earned a recall to the national side after a standout performance in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and was subsequently included in the squad for the T20 series against New Zealand and the 2026 T20 World Cup. He carried his domestic form into international cricket, scoring his maiden T20I century during the New Zealand series.

Reflecting on his struggles, Kishan said the 2021 IPL season was one of the most disappointing periods of his career. He managed only 241 runs in 10 matches that year. Following a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians, television cameras captured Kohli consoling a visibly emotional Kishan — a moment that has since resurfaced in cricket discussions.

“I remember that video. I was almost in tears before Virat bhai came and spoke to me. I was somehow holding them back,” Kishan said on the podcast. He added with a laugh that Kohli may have sensed how deeply he was affected. According to Kishan, the former India captain called him over and reassured him, helping him regain composure and confidence.

Kishan’s career numbers underline his impact across formats. He has represented India in 2 Tests, 27 ODIs, and 36 T20Is. He has scored 78 runs in Tests, including a half-century. In ODIs, he has accumulated 933 runs with one century and seven fifties, while in T20 internationals he has scored 1,011 runs, featuring one hundred and seven half-centuries.

A regular in the IPL since 2016, Kishan has scored 2,998 runs in 119 matches at a strike rate of 137.7, including one century and 17 half-centuries.

Kishan said the support from senior players like Kohli played a crucial role in helping him navigate setbacks, adding that such moments strengthened his mental resilience and shaped his comeback.