Ishan Kishan reacts to India snub after sensational SMAT campaign
19 Dec 2025

Ishan Kishan, the captain of Jharkhand, has opened up about his exclusion from the Indian cricket team.

The wicketkeeper-batter led his state to its maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) title with a stunning century in the final against Haryana.

After the victory, Kishan expressed his disappointment over not being selected for Team India despite performing well in domestic cricket.

Kishan's reaction to Team India exclusion
Exclusion impact

Kishan said he felt "quite bad" when he wasn't selected for the Indian team despite doing well.

He said, "When I was not selected for the Indian team, I felt quite bad because I was doing well."

However, he also told himself that if his performance wasn't enough for selection, then maybe he needed to do more as an individual and as a team player.

Kishan's advice to young cricketers
Advice

Kishan stressed the importance of not letting frustration take over. "It's important that you don't allow frustration to get to you," Kishan was quoted as saying by Sportstar.

The Jharkhand captain advised young cricketers to work hard, believe in themselves, and focus on their goals.

He also acknowledged that his job is to keep performing consistently.

Winning the SMAT for Jharkhand was a special moment for him as it marked their maiden title win in this tournament.

Kishan's focus remains on performance
Performance focus

Despite his stellar form in the SMAT, Kishan is unlikely to be picked for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

However, he isn't worried about it and just wants to keep performing in every match he plays.

"I know you fancy your chances a lot of times. And when you don't see your name, you just feel bad about it," Kishan said.

Kishan reflects on his career ups and downs
Career reflections

Kishan has had his fair share of career highs and lows. He was dropped from the ODI playing XI despite scoring a double century after Shubman Gill's return.

However, Kishan considers winning the SMAT under his captaincy as one of the biggest achievements of his career.

"It is definitely the happiest moment because we have never won domestic tournaments under my captaincy," he said.

517 runs, 57.44 average and a SR of 197.32
SMAT 2025

Kishan's scores in SMAT 2025 read 27, 15, 113*, 93, 21, 2, 47, 63, 35, and 101. He hit two centuries and as many fifties.

He was the only batter to smash 500 runs in this year's SMAT. The next best was Ankit Kumar (448).

As per ESPNcricinfo, Kishan hammered 517 runs at an average of 57.44. He struck at an impressive 197.32.

Notably, the southpaw's 101-run knock in the final came off 49 balls.

Kishan last played for India in 2023
DYK

Kishan last played for India in a T20I series against Australia in November 2023, scoring two half-centuries and a duck.

His absence from domestic cricket cost him his central contract in 2024, raising questions about his commitment to the game.

However, he regained a Grade C contract in April 2025.

Notably, Kishan owns a double-hundred in ODI cricket.

Overall, he has represented India in 27 ODIs, 32 T20Is, and a couple of Tests.

He boasts 1,807 international runs at 33.46.