Ishan Kishan Century Against Afghanistan Forces India to Rethink World Cup 2027 Blueprint

By Aditya Nagar | June 18, 2026

Ishan Kishan Century: After almost three years out of India’s ODI team, Ishan Kishan returned with a quick century against Afghanistan in Lucknow on Wednesday.

It was his first ODI hundred since his record-breaking double century in Chattogram in December 2022.

India ODI World Cup 2027: His recent exploits have strengthened his World Cup case and given selectors much to ponder ahead of 2027.

Ishan Kishan Century: 210 Runs, One Massive Turning Point

Ishan made his ODI debut in 2021, mostly playing for India’s backup teams because T20 cricket was the main focus during back-to-back World Cups.

Things changed when he hit a remarkable 210 against Bangladesh in Chattogram, the fastest double century in ODI history.

That innings made him a key part of India’s plans for the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar was impressed by Ishan’s runs and his ability to play in different positions.

Ishan scored his double century as an opener, then hit three fifties in a row in the middle order during the West Indies tour.

He also played an important knock of 82 off 81 balls against Pakistan in the Asia Cup at Pallekele, helping India recover from 66 for 4 against a strong pace attack.

Ishan’s adaptability made it tough to pick a wicketkeeper. KL Rahul was chosen for the World Cup squad, but Agarkar rarely named a clear first-choice because the competition was so close.

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Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan Partnership

Ishan Kishan Century: The left-handed opener India, Ishan only started India’s World Cup campaign because Shubman Gill was recovering from dengue.

He scored 0 and 47 before Gill returned, which put Ishan back on the bench.

Frustrated, Ishan took a mental health break by the end of the year. He missed domestic matches and was eventually left out of the BCCI’s central contracts.

Over the next two years, Ishan focused on rebuilding his career. He checked for Jharkhand and slowly worked his way back into the spotlight.

His big moment came in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last December, where he led Jharkhand to a surprise title and finished as the tournament’s top run-scorer and biggest six-hitter.

These performances got him back into India’s T20I team and later into the T20 World Cup squad. Ishan’s comeback kept going.

He did well at the World Cup, had his best IPL season yet, and made the selectors reconsider him for the 50-over format.

India vs Afghanistan ODI: Ishan Seizes Kohli’s Absence with Impactful Knock

Ishan Kishan Century: Ironically, Ishan might not have played in the Afghanistan series if Virat Kohli hadn’t missed out with a hamstring injury. But, as before, Ishan made the most of his chance.

In Dharamsala, Ishan batted in Kohli’s usual spot and scored a quick 34 from 22 balls, sharing a 50-run partnership with Gill.

Ishan Kishan Performance in Lucknow ODI: Versatile Ishan Puts Selectors on Notice

Four days later in Lucknow, India tried a new opening pair with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma, so Ishan moved down to number 4. He kept playing aggressively.

Alongside his close friend Gill, Ishan put together a huge 224-run third-wicket stand and hit 125 off just 79 balls.

Even more impressive than the score was how he managed his innings. He reached 51 from his first 53 balls, then raced to his century in just 19 more, hitting nine boundaries and two sixes to finish strong.

These are the same qualities that made Ishan valuable three years ago: his versatility, adaptability, and ability to take on any bowling attack, wherever he bats. The World Cup debate is back.

India World Cup Blueprint: Gavaskar Backs Ishan for South Africa

Ishan Kishan Century: Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar quickly said that Ishan has nearly secured his spot in India’s plans for South Africa.

With his visa secured and everything in place, he is now just a step away from taking his seat on the aircraft," Gavaskar remarked on air.

According to a veteran cricketer, his greatest strength was his versatility—he could open the innings, bat at Nos. 3, 4, or 5, and also keep wickets.

Ishan Kishan Latest News: Ishan Kishan's Return Could Reshape India's World Cup Squad

Ishan Kishan Century: While there is still considerable cricket left before the World Cup squad is finalized, if Ishan continues this rich vein of form, the debate may no longer be about whether he deserves a place in the squad, but rather who will have to make way for him.

This puts some of India’s top players in the spotlight. With Ishan making a compelling case for himself, Kohli, Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer may have reason to look over their shoulders.

Further scrutiny may follow during India’s ODI tour of England next month, when Kohli is expected back in action.

For now, Ishan has done exactly what he needed to do. Three years after losing his place, he is back at the centre of India's World Cup plans.

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