During India\u2019s practice session on Saturday evening, Kishan was informed that his cousin and her husband had succumbed to injuries suffered in a road accident in Siliguri on Friday. A shaken Kishan briefly contemplated skipping the final against New Zealand and returning home to be with his grieving family.<\/p>\n
A conversation with Hardik \u2014 who has been like an elder brother to him over the last three years \u2014 helped him remain focused on the task at hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cI played the match for her. I spoke to Hardik bhai<\/i>, he said to put the team ahead. I dedicate this win to her, and today is Women\u2019s Day, so it makes it all the more special,\u201d Kishan said after the final.<\/p>\n
Not only did Kishan set aside his personal grief, he put up a memorable performance on the field. His 25-ball 54 gave India early momentum, while three sharp catches ensured New Zealand never found a way back into the contest.<\/p>\n
The wicketkeeper-batter had returned to India\u2019s T20I set-up after a two-year hiatus. By the end of the tournament, he had emerged as the fourth-highest run-scorer, amassing 317 runs at an average of 35.22 and a strike rate just short of 200.<\/p>\n
With a campaign like that, questions about a possible return to India\u2019s ODI side were inevitable.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have stopped thinking too much. Just do your work and not think about the things which are not under your control, and that\u2019s what Virat (Kohli) bhai <\/i>always did,\u201d Kishan said.<\/p>\n
Published on Mar 09, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n