![Ishan Kishan after SMAT knock [Source: @SANDEEPMH07/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1766119564460_Ishan_Kishan_12.jpg?type=hq)
Ishan Kishan after SMAT knock [Source: @SANDEEPMH07/X]
Ishan Kishan stormed through a stunning 49-ball century to lead Jharkhand to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 title against Haryana.
This statement of a knock also arrived at a crucial time for the wicketkeeper-batter, who hasn't featured for India in 2023, especially with T20 World Cup 2026 squad selections nearing.
Despite his brilliant form in India's premier domestic T20 tournament, Ishan Kishan will find it difficult to feature in the T20 World Cup 2026. After the SMAT final, he shared his feelings about the ongoing snub, admitting it was difficult but stating he had moved past the disappointment to focus solely on his performances.
Ishan Kishan on India snub
Speaking after the match, Ishan Kishan was straightforward with his feelings about the snub he faced from Indian selectors despite his performances.
"When I was not selected for the Indian team, I felt quite bad because I was doing well. But I told myself that if I am not selected despite this sort of performance, then maybe I have to do more. Maybe I have to make my team win. Maybe we have to do well as a unit," Kishan said.
Ishan Kishan focused on mental peace and stability amid the snubs. The pocket dynamo believes that ‘frustration’ is not a solution.
"It's important that you don't allow frustration to get to you. This is my message to all the youngsters: frustration is something that will take you one step down. At the same time, you need to put in a lot of hard work, believe in yourself, and just focus on what you need to achieve," Kishan added.
"I'm not expecting anything": Ishan Kishan on India hope
Kishan further underlined the fact that he is not expecting anything anymore from the selectors, he simply wants to focus on his game.
"I know you fancy your chances a lot of times, and when you don't see your name, you just feel bad about it. I'm not in that zone anymore. I'm not expecting anything," he said with a smile, before adding: "My job is to just keep performing," Kishan added.
Kishan called the domestic trophy win the happiest moment of his career, rejoicing in the golden moment.
"It is definitely the happiest moment because we have never won a domestic tournament under my captaincy. This was an opportunity where you had to prove yourself. There are times when you doubt yourself, but when you win, it's all done. You know what quality you have, what changes you can make to your game, and how you can turn a match around. Now, I have more trust in myself and more belief in my batting," Kishan concluded.
Nevertheless, whether he gets a fair chance at the T20 World Cup 2026 squad or not, the fiery batter will be featuring for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026, as he was retained by the franchise ahead of the IPL mini auction on December 16.
