Jharkhand is going strong in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 (SMAT 2025) tournament. They remain unbeaten after their match against Uttarakhand. Under the leadership of Ishan Kishan, Jharkhand is unbeaten in the T20 tournament after five matches. Their latest win was against Uttarakhand.

The Jharkhand vs Uttarakhand match was at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on December 4. When the result of the match was clear to all, captain Ishan Kishan was spotted near the gallery, spending some moments with his fans. During the tournament, Indian cricket fans, through various social media videos and photos, have seen the craze for the star keeper-batter.

Through the video, which is attached below in the article, we can see Ishan Kishan signing autographs for the fans who were in the gallery to watch the match live. One of the officials came and congratulated the skipper for the win.

Read More: PSL 2026: Draft or Auction? PCB to Decide on December 10

Ishan Kishan with fans after 5th straight win in the ongoing SMAT 2025:

Captain Ishan Kishan after winning 5th back to back matches, heading forward undefeated in SMAT 🔥#IshanKishan @ishankishan51 pic.twitter.com/iaYtEuZU4Q

— Ayush (@AyushCricket32) December 4, 2025

Talking about the match, Uttarakhand went to bat first and scored 150 runs in exchange for 7 wickets in 20 overs. Their leader, Kunal Chandela, was the highest scorer for the team with 55 off 42. With the ball, Anukul Roy was the most successful bowler for Jharkhand with 3 wickets in the bag. Sushant Mishra claimed a brace as well.

Jharkhand achieved the target in 16.1 overs, without facing any such difficulties. Ishan (21) and Utkarsh Singh (41) provided the team a flying start. Kumar Kushagra,, at number 3, contributed with 31 runs. But the cherry on the cake was the partnership of Virat Singh (43 not out) and Anukul Roy (16 not out). Both remained unbeaten and secured the win for Jharkhand. Roy smashed an over-boundary and concluded the match in style.

Love for Ishan Kishan is unmatched among Indian cricket fans. Despite not playing for Team India for a long time, fans are not hesitant to show their love for the keeper-batter. A recent video shows how an Indian cricket fan shows his admiration for Ishan, and in return, a warm gesture from the star cricketer. The video is enough to melt a cricket fan's heart.

Cricketers who are currently not a part of Team India are playing in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament (SMAT 2025) for their respective states. Ishan Kishan is representing Jharkhand in the tournament. He is the captain of the Jharkhand cricket team and is in good form with the bat and with the keeping gloves as well.

The video was shared on the social media platform 'X' ahead of the Jharkhand vs. Saurashtra match at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad. Ishan Kishan was in the team bus when a fan in the Indian kit approached it. Ishan was in the last row of the bus, on the window seat, and spotted the approaching fan. The fan showed his thumbs to the player, followed by a heart sign. In return, Ishan raised his hand from the bus. That gesture from the star cricketer made the day of the fan.

Read More: Watch: Visuals of Shubman Gill on his way to the Centre of Excellence

Ishan Kishan's heartwarming gesture towards a fan

A fan saw Ishan Kishan in the team bus, Ahmedabad, Ishan politely gave humble gesture ❤️

The caption by that fan 🥺

We all want to see Ishan Kishan in ODI with Virat Kohli @BCCI #ishankishan pic.twitter.com/YMs9BODYkR

— Ayush (@AyushCricket32) December 2, 2025

Due to relentless hard work and performance, Ishant Kishan is poised to get back in the Team India setup again. Before the SMAT 2025 season, he played a few matches for the India A team as well. On October 19 in Rajkot, he scored a half-century against the South Africa-A cricket team.

He is carrying the form for Jharkhand. In the last Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament match against Tripura, the batter smashed an unbeaten century. In the match, he scored 113 not out and took a couple of catches to confirm a swift victory for his team. 

Ishan Kishan made the opening day of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT 2025) more entertaining with his effortless batting. Ishan, as the captain and keeper-batter, guided Jharkhand to an easy win. During his batting, the crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium witnessed some stunning shots. 

It was a tough match for Jharkhand on paper, as they faced a strong Delhi side. After winning the toss, Ishan Kishan decided to bowl first. His decision to field first proved on point as Jharkhand dominated the match from beginning to end. 

The Nitish Rana-led Delhi cricket team got a confident start when they came to bat first. Priyansh Arya and Yash Dhull, the opening duo of the team, created a 31-run partnership in 4 overs as Dhull departed after scoring 21 runs off 12 balls. Arya went back to the pavilion after playing a 39-run knock against 29 deliveries. Ayush Badoni, who came to bat as the number 3 batter for Delhi, registered 30. Despite notable runs from the top-order batters, Delhi was able to score only 132 runs for 10 wickets in 19.2 overs. 

Read More: 'Fantastic Test Pitch...'- Sourav Ganguly shares his view on Guwahati Test

Watch: Big 6 hit by Ishan Kishan in SMAT 2025 match

Huge Six by Ishan Kishan in SMAT 🔥#IshanKishanpic.twitter.com/YN6VmjPFRA

— Ayush (@AyushCricket32) November 26, 2025

After the 10th over of the first innings, bowlers of Jharkhand started to make their grip strong over the Delhi batting unit. Delhi was 84/3 on 10.1 overs. From there, they lost the rest of their batters for only 48 runs. 

Ishan Kishan (27) and Utkarsh Singh (24) built a strong foundation to avoid disaster. Kumar Kushagra (45 not out) and Anukul Roy (26 not out)'s steady batting confirmed Jharkhand's crucial win over Delhi by 7 wickets in 14.5 overs. 

Another injury threat for Indian cricket. After team India skipper Shubman Gill's neck injury, another star player suffered an injury and was forced to leave the field during the India A vs. South Africa A (IND A vs. SA A) team match. 

India-A vs South Africa- A 3rd unofficial one-day is underway at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. During the match, while the India A team was the bowling side, Ishan Kishan suffered an injury. He was doing the wicketkeeping job then. After sustaining the injury, he had left the keeping gloves and the field as well. In place of Ishan Kishan, Prabhsimran Singh took over the keeping gloves. 

Ishan Kishan is a key player of the current India A team for the unofficial series against the South Africa A team. He participated in the last two games as well for the Men in Blue, though he had been away from his best during those two matches. During the first unofficial India-A vs. South Africa-A ODI match, the left-handed batter scored 17 runs, and in the following match, he was with the playing eleven but did not get the opportunity to bat. 

Read More: “Ruturaj Gaikwad best suited as…”- Anil Kumble’s stunning suggestion to CSK ahead of IPL 2026

Multiple injury threats for Indian cricket

Ishan Kishan's injury caused more worry among Indian cricket fans because of the injury of Shubman Gill. The Test and ODI team captain of India has been recovering from a neck injury he sustained during the India vs South Africa Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. BCCI on Wednesday issued a major update on Gill, ahead of the India vs South Africa 2nd Test, which is scheduled to be played at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. 

"Team India captain Shubman Gill suffered a neck injury on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test against South Africa and was taken to the hospital for examination after the end of the day's play. He was kept under observation and discharged the next day. Shubman has been responding well to the medical treatment provided and will travel to Guwahati with the team on 19th November, 2025. He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team, and a decision on his participation in the 2nd Test will be taken accordingly," BCCI informed. 

India’s brutal wicket-keeper batter, Ishan Kishan, experienced a hot and cold campaign during the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The left-handed batter has smashed 354 runs in 13 innings at an average of 35.40 and a strike rate of 152.58 with the help of one century and one fifty. 

Kishan started the campaign with the century against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) before ending the season with a fifty against the Kolkata Knight Riders. However, the former Indian star, Mohammad Kaif, reckoned that the issue would lie in Kishan’s batting position.

See Also: “Not captaincy material…”- Axar Patel reacts to trolls for his leadership due to language barrier

“Ishan Kishan is a better batter at Wankhede. He will open if he plays for the Mumbai Indians. At the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), he is batting at number three, and there is a huge difference. Despite taking him for a high price, Hyderabad haven’t been able to give him the right slot.” Kaif expressed during a video on his YouTube channel.

Mohammad Kaif sheds light on Ishan Kishan’s probable comeback to Mumbai Indians

Kaif addressed that Kishan would be a perfect fit for the franchise and player. As an opening batter, the southpaw has bagged 2998 runs in 112 innings at an average of nearly 30 and a strike rate of 137.64, with the help of 17 half-centuries and one century at the best score of 106*.

“Maybe Ishan himself would want to go to Mumbai if a deal is possible. For MI, it’s a great option- having an Indian opener and wicket-keeper allows flexibility with foreign players.” Kaif addressed Kishan, who was picked by the franchise for a price of INR 11.25 crore in the auction, as he recalled the moment of meeting Abhishek Sharma.

“I straightaway called Abhishek Sharma and asked what they expected. He said, ‘Just hit every ball, that’s your job, enjoy your game.’ That’s the best part about this team.” Kishan shared after the fixture against the Rajasthan Royals. In 197 innings of the T20s, the southpaw has clubbed 5270 runs at an average of nearly 29 and a strike rate of 134.26 with 29 fifties and four centuries at the best score of unbeaten 113 runs.

Shreyas Iyer discharged from the ICU of a hospital in Sydney, Australia—relief for Indian cricket fans. Though, concerns remain. After the Australia tour, India is set to face South Africa for a multiple-format series at home. After a 2-match Test series, a 3-match ODI is scheduled to be played between these two teams. For the recently concluded India vs Australia ODI series, BCCI named Iyer as the vice-captain of the team. 

It was expected to see him during the ODI series against South Africa as well. But the unfortunate injury changed the equation. Iyer is now uncertain for the highly anticipated competition. If the middle-order batter remains outside of the field during the upcoming India vs. South Africa ODI series, then who can take his place?

3 players who have the potential to replace injured Shreyas Iyer:

1. Sanju Samson: Sanju Samson can be an ideal replacement if Iyer remains unfit to play. Samson is mostly known for his attacking batting at the top of the batting line-up, but the board put him in the middle order during the Asia Cup 2025. In the new role, the prolific batter lacked no skill during the tournament. Samson's ODI stats are more than impressive. The keeper-batter so far has played 14 ODI innings for Team India to score 510 runs at an average of 56.66.

Read More: "Can score anything..."- Travis Head sends stern warning to India before AUS vs T20 1st T20I

2. Rishabh Pant: Another Team India cricketer who is currently out of action due to injury. He is currently going through the recovery phase and is expected to come back to the field soon. If the team management wants to select a proven middle-order talent, then Pant can be the best probable fit. The swashbuckling batter has the ability to change the color of a match single-handedly. In 31 ODI matches, the keeper-batter has so far gained 871 runs at an average of 33.50. Pant last participated in the format on August 7, 2024. 

3. Ishan Kishan: His recent performance is the reason to drag his name into the list. For the last few months, Ishan Kishan, another keeper-batter, has been in tremendous form, scoring runs for fun. With the experience of scoring 933 runs at an average of 42.40 in 27 ODIs, he can be a surprising pick for the spot. It is worth mentioning that Ishan has prior experience batting at the number 4 spot, where Shreyas Iyer used to play. 

The preparations for IPL 2026 are in full swing, and all ten teams are busy building their squads for the next season. Reports say the BCCI has set November 15 as the deadline for player retentions.

Right now, the trade window is still open, and according to recent reports, three teams Mumbai Indians (MI), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are showing strong interest in Ishan Kishan, who is currently with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The left-hander was bought by SRH for ₹11.25 crore in the IPL 2025 auction. A report from The Times of India mentioned that MI want to bring Ishan back, while KKR and RR are also keeping a close eye on him.

Why is Ishan Kishan in high demand?

Ishan is one of the most sought-after players because he can keep wickets and open the batting a combination many teams want. In the 2025 season, he scored 354 runs in 13 innings with an average of 35.40, proving his worth as a consistent performer. Every team wants a player who can give quick starts at the top.

Last season, Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton opened the innings for MI. But with Rohit turning 39 next year, the team is looking for a young Indian opener for the future. Rickelton has done well, but having someone like Ishan as a backup or long-term option makes perfect sense for MI.

The Rajasthan Royals may face a big change in their lineup, as reports suggest Sanju Samson might leave the team. If that happens, RR will need a quality Indian batter who can also take up wicketkeeping duties. Ishan fits that role perfectly and can add strength to their top order.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Gautam Gambhir-Ajit Agarkar set to Snub Rohit Sharma from IND vs AUS 2nd ODI! Shocking Video ahead of match

The Kolkata Knight Riders are facing problems at the top of the order. Their current openers, Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, haven’t been in good form and also take up two overseas player spots. Signing Ishan would solve both issues he can open the innings and also free up an overseas slot for the team.

Ishan Kishan got a major responsibility ahead of the India vs West Indies Test series. BCCI announced the squad for the upcoming two-match Test series without the talented keeper-batter. But the state has a lot of trust in Ishan Kishan. 

In a major update, he has been named as the captain of the Jharkhand cricket team for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. In the season, the top-order batter will be seen leading his state team. It is now the first time that the Jharkhand cricket governing body showed trust in him. In October 2024, Ishan Kishan was appointed captain of the Jharkhand cricket team for the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season following the retirement of Saurabh Tiwary.

The left-handed batter has been out from Team India for a long time. The upcoming Ranji Trophy campaign with Jharkhand will be a major opportunity to show his true colors against some of the big names of Indian cricket. The Bihar-born was in great form during this year's Championship Division One with Nottinghamshire. In two matches he scored 87 and 77 runs, respectively, against Yorkshire and Somerset.

🚨 CAPTAIN ISHAN KISHAN 🚨

- Ishan Kishan appointed as the Captain of Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy. 👑 pic.twitter.com/zmmgEYLcNi

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 27, 2025

Read More: 'May be He will not score...'- Irfan Pathan's surprising statement on Abhishek Sharma before IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 Final

Ishan Kishan got a major role in crucial time

Ishan started his IPL 2025 campaign with Sunrisers Hyderabad in a promising way but soon struggled to maintain consistency. For most of the Indian Premier League season. The batter, who played an unbeaten 106-run knock, concluded IPL 2025 at a batting average of 35.40 in 13 innings. He smashed a half-century as well. 

Why is Ishan Kishan not in the Test squad? In reply, head of Team India's selection committee Ajit Agarkar said, "When we picked India A, Ishan Kishan wasn't fit. Jagadeesan was part of the squad when Ishan wasn't fit. Ishan will have to play a bit more cricket and show some performances."

Rishabh Pant is unavailable for the India vs West Indies Test series for injury reasons, so Dhruv Jurel and Narayan Jagadeesan are named in the squad. Jurel is expected to be the main keeper for the series, with Jagadeesan as the second option. But why did the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee not consider Ishant Kishan for the assignment? The head of the selection committee, Agarkar, explained why Ishan Kishan is not in the squad. 

Ishan Kishan has so far played only 2 Test matches after making his debut in July 2023 against the West Indies. The keeper-batter started his international career in a promising way but soon started to lose momentum. Things got worse when he pulled himself out from the 2023-24 South Africa tour. As a reason, the top-order batter cited his mental health. Later, he was dropped from BCCI's central contract. The board asked every player to participate in domestic matches, but Ishan dared to go against the directive as well. He remained out of cricket for a while and took some time to regain his rhythm with the bat. The southpaw played some promising knocks in IPL 2025 for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), but in an inconsistent manner.

Ahead of the India vs West Indies Test series, Indian cricket fans were curious to know whether BCCI could select Kishan for the series. Now, the answer is clear: no room for Ishan Kishan. Agarkar strongly said that the keeper-batter needs to prove himself first. It is clear that the board is not happy at all with the cricketer at all. 

Read More: BCCI selects RCB star as captain of Rest of India for Irani Cup

Why Ishan Kishan is not in India squad for West Indies Test series?

"When we picked India A, Ishan Kishan wasn't fit. Jagadeesan was part of the squad when Ishan wasn't fit. Ishan will have to play a bit more cricket and show some performances," Agarkar said. 

India squad for West Indies Tests:

Shubman Gill (captain), Ravindra Jadeja (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, and Narayan Jagadeesan. 

Actress Akriti Negi’s incredible Rise and Fall journey has become one of the amazing moments of the season in no time. Her bravery, a never-say-die attitude, and a unique sense of humor have not only won the hearts of the audience but also gotten the attention of the Indian cricket stars.

The show hosted by businessman Ashneer Grover has contestants locked into a unique setup where they are tested for their resilience and adaptability. Akriti, who earlier appeared on Splitsvilla and Roadies, has earned a reputation as one of the strongest participants on the show. With the finale drawing near, a clip of Indian cricketer Ishan Kishan urging fans to vote for her has gone viral on social media.

The video, shared by tennis player Anshuman Srivastava on Instagram, shows Ishan Kishan appealing, “Please everyone, vote only for Akriti.” In the background, Bhojpuri singer Pawan Singh’s songs can be heard playing, adding a fun element that caught the attention of fans.

Cricketers’ Support and Rumoured Connections

Ishan’s support surprised many fans, who expected him to back Dhanshree Verma, the ex-wife of Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. Rumors also suggest that all-rounder Nitish Reddy and pacer Akash Deep have quietly backed Akriti Negi, though none have posted publicly on social media.

Watch the video here

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Anshumat Srivastava (@anshumatsrivastava)

See Also: 'What more can I...'- Suryakumar Yadav's special message to Oman after post 21-run win in Asia Cup 2025

A possible reason behind Ishan Kishan’s vocal support is Akriti’s rumored relationship with tennis player Anshuman Srivastava. Considering that Anshuman is close friends with both Ishan and Shubman Gill, Ishan’s support looks more like a gesture of goodwill to the partner of his friend.