"Who used to play at this number for the Indian team before him?" - Ajay Jadeja lauds Ishan Kishan after NZ vs IND 2026 5th T20I

Former India player Ajay Jadeja has lauded Ishan Kishan for performing consistently since his return to the Men in Blue's T20I setup. He pointed out that the left-handed batter has been delivering at the No. 3 spot, a position Virat Kohli excelled at.

Kishan scored 61 runs off 32 balls as India posted 191/8 in the fifth T20I against New Zealand in Hamilton on Sunday, November 1. However, his knock went in vain as the hosts achieved the target with seven wickets and two overs to spare.

Reviewing the game on Sony Sports, Jadeja noted that Kishan has ensured that Kohli's absence at No. 3 isn't felt.

"He is making history. The consistency is being spoken about. Who used to play at this number for the Indian team before him? You replaced such a legendary player, and you don't even think you have to do the job he used to do," the former India captain said.

"You are seeing the numbers, but Virat Kohli was this team's pillar at No. 3 for the last few years, around whom they used to play. There has been a change from the way the team used to play in his time, and he (Kishan) has shown this consistency despite that. A player at No. 3 has to play both ways. It's been an incredible comeback," he added.

Ishan Kishan has amassed 1,220 runs at a strike rate of 171.58 in 37 T20I innings in 2026. It's the most runs an Indian batter has scored in a calendar year in the shortest format internationally.

"I think there has been a change in his mindset" - Ajinkya Rahane lauds Ishan Kishan after NZ vs IND 2026 5th T20I

In the same discussion, former India batter Ajinkya Rahane noted that Ishan Kishan has shown an improved mindset since his return to the Indian side.

"He has made a few technical adjustments, but I think there has been a change in his mindset. He was dropped, went and played domestic cricket, and made a comeback after that. A player becomes different when he comes after performing in domestic cricket," he said.

The cricketer-turned-commentator added that the 28-year-old regained his rhythm in Sunday's game when he smashed a Jacob Duffy delivery over point for a six.

"The freedom with which he played is extremely necessary. His has been an excellent story. He has scored 1,220 runs this year. If I talk about today's innings, the game changed completely after the six he hit over point. He returned in the last match from injury and wasn't looking in that rhythm, but a batter needs one shot to get his confidence, and he didn't look back after that," Rahane observed.

Ishan Kishan struck five fours and as many sixes during his 61-run knock. He added 93 runs for the third wicket with Shreyas Iyer (50 off 23) after India had been reduced to 19/2.

Looking for fast live cricket scores? Download CricRocket and get fast score updates, top-notch commentary in-depth match stats & much more! 🚀☄️