IND vs NZ: Ishan Kishan Shows Incredible Courage with Boundary off First Ball in Comeback Match

Nagpur: Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan made a spectacular return to international cricket after 785 days, playing in the first T20 against New Zealand. In a show of fearless intent, Kishan hit a boundary off his very first ball, a shot that few players would dare attempt under such circumstances.

A Bold Comeback
Kishan last represented India in 2023 across all three formats. Due to BCCI’s directives, he did not participate in the Ranji Trophy for a period, and consequently lost his central contract. In 2026, he earned a recall to the Indian T20 side for the match in Nagpur at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium.

First Ball Boundary Stuns Fans
Coming to the crease in the second over following Sanju Samson’s dismissal, Kishan wasted no time in announcing his return. On his first delivery, he lofted the ball over the bowler’s head for a boundary. Considering the long gap from international cricket, the audacity of the shot left spectators and commentators astonished. Kishan could have taken time to settle in, but he chose to play positively for the team.

Brief but Fearless Innings
Kishan faced just 5 balls in the match, scoring 8 runs, including another boundary before being dismissed attempting another big shot. His aggressive mindset, particularly after such a long hiatus, highlighted his confidence and team-first approach.

India Secures Comfortable Win
India batted first to post 238/7, with Abhishek Sharma scoring a fiery 84 off 35 balls (5 fours, 8 sixes), and Rinku Singh contributing 44 runs off 20 balls. In response, New Zealand could manage only 190/7, with Glenn Phillips top-scoring with 78 runs, including 6 sixes and 4 fours off 40 balls. India won the match by 48 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20 series.

Kishan’s fearless approach in his comeback innings exemplifies the daring and aggressive intent that has become a hallmark of Indian T20 cricket.