T20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav all but confirms Ishan Kishan as opener for USA clash

India captain Suryakumar Yadav has almost confirmed Ishan Kishan as the opener for the opening game of the T20 World Cup 2026 against the USA. Kishan opened for India in the warm-up fixture against South Africa, scoring a blistering 53 (20) before retiring out. Regular opener Sanju Samson was not given a chance to play in the warm-up fixture, further signalling towards Kishan’s promotion at the top of the order.

Ahead of India’s opening fixture against the USA, Suryakumar was full of praise for Kishan, mentioning how he left everyone awestruck during his comeback in the recent series against New Zealand. When asked whether Kishan would open the innings in the World Cup, Suryakumar expressed his hope that the left-hander would continue his aggressive approach throughout the tournament and stated that he would not bat below No. 3 during the competition.

“Definitely, look at the way he has played in the last few games. We noticed it after getting up from our seats because it was international cricket. But if you look at it closely, he was playing the same way in domestic cricket as well. Even in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he was batting the same way and continued with that approach. He played at No. 3 in the T20I series. In the warm-up match, he opened. I hope he continues playing that way, whichever position he bats at. I don’t think he will bat below No. 3. But whatever opportunity he gets, I hope he bats the same way,” said Suryakumar in the pre-match press conference.

How has Samson performed since 2025?

Opening batter Sanju Samson finished the recent New Zealand series with 46 runs from five innings, with his highest score of 24 coming in the fourth T20I. His numbers as an opener in T20Is since 2025 have been alarming, as he has managed only 134 runs from 11 innings at an average of 12.18, with a highest score of 37.

On the other hand, Ishan Kishan accumulated 215 runs from four innings at an average of 53.75 and a strike rate of 231.18. He played a match-winning knock of 76 (32) in the second T20I, followed by a breathtaking century of 103 off 43 balls in the fifth fixture.

With Kishan opening in the warm-up match and Tilak Varma scoring 45 (19) on his return from injury, the duo appear to have sealed their spots in the playing XI for the opening fixture. Samson, meanwhile, is likely to be benched given his poor run of form.

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