Ishan Kishan is currently one of the most talked-about names in Indian cricket, having completed a cinematic comeback to the national side. After losing his BCCI central contract in 2024 and spending two years grinding through domestic circuits, Kishan has exploded back onto the scene. His recent form in the 2026 New Zealand series—highlighted by a stunning 42-ball century in Thiruvananthapuram—has all but guaranteed his spot as the primary wicketkeeper-opener alongside Abhishek Sharma for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
However, this triumphant return is rooted in a vulnerable moment from 2021 that resurfaced during Kishan’s recent appearance on the 2 Sloggers Podcast. During a difficult IPL season with the Mumbai Indians, Kishan was visibly struggling, managing only 241 runs across the campaign. Following a dejecting loss to RCB, legendary batter Virat Kohli was seen consoling a shattered Kishan on the field—a moment that has now become a symbol of their bond.
The Emotional Encounter at IPL 2021
The 2021 season was a mental and physical hurdle for the young southpaw. After a blockbuster 2020 where he amassed 516 runs, his form deserted him. During a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, veteran commentator Ian Bishop described him as a “broken young man” on air.
- The Breaking Point: Kishan revealed that he was hiding away, trying to remain invisible while fighting back tears.
- The Gesture: Seeing the youngster in distress, Virat Kohli walked over, placed an arm around his shoulder, and offered a pep talk that Kishan credits for helping him survive that mental slump.
- Kishan’s Reflection: “I was on the verge of crying… I just somehow managed to hold back tears. He [Virat] must have seen me just lying there and thought, ‘Poor kid, he’s thinking too much.'”
A Full-Circle Moment
The beauty of this story lies in what followed. Exactly one year after that “broken” moment, Ishan Kishan found himself in a historic partnership with the very man who had consoled him.
- The Record: In late 2022, Kishan smashed the fastest double-century in ODI history (131 balls) against Bangladesh.
- The Partner: Virat Kohli was at the non-striker’s end for a significant portion of that innings, eventually joining Kishan in a massive 290-run stand.
- The Redemption: The image of Kohli dancing in celebration of Kishan’s milestone stands as a stark, heartwarming contrast to the image of him holding a dejected Kishan in 2021.
2026: The New Chapter
Today, Kishan’s comeback is complete. Having led Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title and reclaimed his place in the Indian squad, he enters the 2026 World Cup with a refined mindset. The “broken young man” has evolved into a powerhouse opener, proving that even the lowest points can be a springboard for greatness with the right mentorship and resolve.
