Ishan Kishan’s journey over the last two years is a powerful reminder that comebacks in cricket are rarely linear. Once considered one of India’s most explosive wicketkeeper-batters, Kishan found himself battling form, fitness of the mind, and public perception before scripting a remarkable redemption story through domestic cricket.
Mental Health Break and the Beginning of Uncertainty
In 2023, Ishan Kishan made headlines after taking a mental health break and withdrawing from India’s South Africa tour. While the decision highlighted the growing conversation around mental well-being in sport, it also triggered questions about commitment and availability. In a highly competitive Indian cricket ecosystem, stepping away often comes with consequences.
Central Contract Snub and IPL Setback in 2024
The toughest blow arrived in 2024 when Kishan was excluded from the BCCI central contracts list. Alongside Shreyas Iyer, he was dropped for not featuring in domestic cricket despite board directives. The omission was widely seen as a warning signal for centrally contracted players.
Kishan’s IPL 2024 season with Mumbai Indians failed to provide relief. He managed 320 runs in 14 matches at an average of 23, with a strike rate of 149. Despite the decent strike rate, Mumbai Indians finished last on the points table, and Kishan was released ahead of the IPL mega auction, a moment that marked the lowest point of his professional career.
Fresh Start with Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025
IPL 2025 offered a new beginning as Sunrisers Hyderabad secured Ishan Kishan for ₹11.25 crore at the mega auction. He made an immediate impact by scoring his maiden IPL century in SRH’s opening match. However, consistency remained elusive. Kishan ended the season with 354 runs in 13 innings, okayish numbers, but not enough to silence doubts entirely.
Domestic Cricket Sparks Ishan Kishan’s Comeback
Away from the IPL spotlight, Kishan returned to domestic cricket with renewed focus. Appointed captain of Jharkhand, he thrived under responsibility. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Kishan led Jharkhand to their first-ever title, he was their best batter, scoring 517 runs at a blistering strike rate of 197. His 45-ball century in the final and 33 tournament sixes underlined his dominance.
Ranji Trophy Form and Signs of Maturity
Kishan has also been in great touch in the Ranji Trophy. Only recently, he scored a sublime 173 against Tamil Nadu to secure an innings victory. With 246 runs in three innings, his red-ball performances showcased improved patience and temperament.
A Comeback Built on Growth, Not Noise
More than statistics, Ishan Kishan’s redemption is defined by maturity and resilience. Calmer, more disciplined, and mentally stronger, he has rebuilt his career from the ground up. As domestic performances pile up, Indian selectors will be watching closely, because Ishan Kishan’s story is far from finished.
