Ishan Kishan Faces Injury Scare Ahead of T20 World Cup Clash

London, 12 February 2026 – India’s T20 World Cup campaign has hit a brief moment of uncertainty following an injury scare involving wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan. During a training session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday, Kishan was struck on the toe by a searing yorker from pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. While the left-hander was seen limping and in visible discomfort, reports from the camp suggest he resumed batting after a short break, though his availability for the upcoming fixture against Namibia remains a subject of intense speculation.

Injury Concerns and Selection Dilemmas

The timing of the injury is particularly sensitive for the Indian management. Kishan has been in “red-hot form” leading into the tournament, forcing his way back into the national setup through sheer weight of performance. Captain Suryakumar Yadav recently hinted that Kishan’s role is solidified near the top of the order, stating he would not bat below number three. Should Kishan be sidelined for the Namibia match, Sanju Samson is the primary candidate to reclaim an opening berth.

This physical setback follows a period of administrative transition for the player. Earlier this week, the BCCI announced its central contracts for the 2025–26 season, notably excluding Kishan from the list. Officials cited a failure to meet mandatory international participation criteria during the previous evaluation cycle, as Kishan had been absent from the squad for much of 2024 and early 2025.

Key Player Profile: Ishan Kishan

Despite the recent contract exclusion, Kishan remains one of the most destructive left-handed batsmen in the white-ball format, holding the record for the fastest double-century in ODI history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Ishan Kishan dropped from the BCCI Central Contracts?

Kishan was excluded from the 2025–26 central contract list because he did not meet the minimum participation requirements for international matches during the evaluation period, having spent a significant portion of the previous year away from the national squad.

What is the extent of his recent injury?

Kishan suffered a blow to his left toe from a Jasprit Bumrah yorker during a net session on 11 February 2026. While he was seen limping, he did continue his practice session after receiving medical attention. His fitness for the Namibia match is currently being monitored by the medical team.

Which team does Ishan Kishan play for in the IPL?

As of the 2026 season, Ishan Kishan represents Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Who will replace him if he is unfit for the T20 World Cup matches?

Sanju Samson is the frontrunner to take the wicketkeeping and opening responsibilities if Kishan is unable to feature in the starting XI.