Ishan Kishan Unleashes Terror Ahead of T20 World Cup, Celebrates Comeback with 33-Ball Century

Ahmedabad witnessed a breathtaking display of power-hitting on the opening day of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, as India’s ‘Junior Dhoni’ Ishan Kishan announced his return to form—and to the national reckoning—in emphatic fashion. Playing for Jharkhand, the explosive left-hander smashed a sensational 33-ball century against defending champions Karnataka, sending a strong warning to opponents ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.

Batting at No. 6 at the Narendra Modi Stadium (B Ground), Kishan walked in with clear intent and dismantled a formidable Karnataka bowling attack. He raced to his half-century in just 20 balls and brought up his hundred in 33 deliveries, eventually scoring a blistering 125 off 39 balls. His innings was studded with 7 fours and 14 towering sixes, turning the match into a one-sided spectacle.

Karnataka Bowlers Under Fire

Kishan showed no mercy to international-level bowlers. Former India pacer Vijaykumar Vyshak bore the brunt of the assault, conceding 40 runs off just 11 balls. Fast bowlers Vidyadhar Patil (25 runs off 6 balls) and Abhilash Shetty (24 off 6) were also taken apart as Kishan put on a six-hitting masterclass rarely seen in List-A cricket.

Among the Fastest List-A Centuries by an Indian

With this knock, Ishan Kishan now features prominently on the elite list of India’s fastest List-A centurions:

• Sakibul Gani – 32 balls
• Ishan Kishan – 33 balls
• Anmolpreet Singh – 35 balls
• Vaibhav Suryavanshi – 36 balls
• Yusuf Pathan – 40 balls

Perfect Comeback Statement

At 27, Kishan has been fighting his way back after being out of the Indian setup since 2023. Recently named in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, this match marked his first competitive outing since the selection—and he ensured it was unforgettable.

The century was Kishan’s seventh in List-A cricket, adding to an already impressive résumé that includes a historic ODI double century for India. More than the numbers, it was the timing and dominance of the innings that stood out, underlining his value as a destructive middle-order batter in white-ball cricket.

With the T20 World Cup approaching, Ishan Kishan’s explosive knock has not only reignited discussions around his role in the Indian team but has also firmly re-established him as one of the most dangerous batters in the domestic circuit. For Indian cricket, this was not just a century—it was a statement.