4 min readMumbaiUpdated: Feb 4, 2026 09:15 PM IST At the T20 World Cup squad announcement press conference back in December, India captain Suryakumar Yadav was unequivocal about one thing. For India to maximise their impact at the top of the order in their World Cup defence, they needed an explosive wicketkeeper-batter who could seize the powerplay and put opposition bowlers under immediate pressure. For a while, it appeared that India was reverting to a familiar template. Sanju Samson, fresh off a productive run after the 2024 T20 World Cup, seemed the natural fit for that role. His ability to play pace early, target the straight boundaries and keep the scoreboard moving had made him a dependable option, and many expected him to walk into the XI as the designated aggressor at the top. A few days before the tournament opener, however, the narrative has shifted sharply. Ishan Kishan, who has made a stupendous comeback to international cricket in the recent series against New Zealand, seized the spotlight once again, this time in the warm-up …