Ishan Kishan Says World Cup Success Can Inspire Young Cricketers as He Receives Grand Welcome in Patna
PATNA, India — Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan said he hopes his performance in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 victory will inspire young cricketers as he returned to his hometown to a celebratory reception from fans.
Kishan arrived at Patna Airport accompanied by his father, Pranav Pandey, where supporters gathered to welcome the World Cup winner, chanting his name and celebrating the team’s triumph.
Speaking to reporters at the airport, Kishan said India’s victory was a moment of pride not only for the team but for the entire country.
“Our team won, obviously, it is a very good thing, not only for us, but for the whole nation. We hope to continue playing cricket like this and keep winning,” he said.
Kishan, who returned to the Indian team shortly before the tournament and played a key role in the campaign, said his comeback could motivate aspiring cricketers from smaller cities.
“It feels great because I believe the better I perform, the more motivation it will be for the young kids here who want to grow,” he said. “I always try to ensure as many players as possible emerge from every corner. Now that we’ve played the World Cup, it shows that with hard work, you can succeed from anywhere.”
During the interaction, Kishan also declined to comment on remarks made by former cricketer-turned-politician Kirti Azad, who criticized India’s captain Surya Kumar Yadav and International Cricket Council Chairman Jay Shah for taking the World Cup trophy to a temple in Ahmedabad.
“Sir, we have won such a great World Cup. Please ask a good question. What should I say about what Kirti Azad said? Please ask something meaningful, like how much fun it was or what the experience was like,” Kishan said.
Kishan was one of India’s top performers in the tournament, finishing as the team’s second-highest run scorer. He scored 317 runs in nine innings at an average of 35.22 and a strike rate above 193, hitting three half-centuries, including one in the final.
Asked about his future plans, Kishan said his focus remains simple.
“Nothing much, just keep scoring runs, keep playing, and keep winning,” he said.
His father, Pranav Pandey, also expressed pride in the achievement and looked ahead to the next major tournament.
“It feels very good. We have repeated history and also avenged the defeat. Now we will prepare for the 2027 World Cup,” he said.
Kishan is next expected to compete in the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League, where he will play for Sunrisers Hyderabad after being retained by the franchise ahead of the tournament. (Source: IANS)
