Ishan Kishan made a memorable return to the Indian team in the five-T20I series against New Zealand last month, amassing 215 runs from four innings at an average of 53.75 and a strike-rate of 231.18, including one hundred and a half-century.

As a result, Kishan pipped Sanju Samson to become India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter and Abhishek Sharma’s opening partner in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

After scoring only 20 runs in India’s campaign opener against the USA, the southpaw delivered a match-winning half-century (61 off 24) in the second Group A match against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday (February 12).

Following the match, Kishan opened up about the advice he received from all-rounder Hardik Pandya after losing his BCCI central contract in 2024.

The left-hander revealed how Hardik urged him not to dwell on the setback but to make the most of every opportunity in domestic cricket.

"I am usually not the kind of person who will keep quiet, but because I was in touch with him and he was like, 'It's up to you whether you want to talk to somebody about it or go negative about it. It is in your hand'. And that was playing cricket and scoring runs. And doing well in whichever tournaments I was playing in. Credit also goes to him (for helping him in his India comeback)," said Kishan while interacting with Hardik for bcci.tv.

Hardik recalled Kishan’s century against the Kiwis with pride, lauding the wicketkeeper-batter for his hard work behind the scenes.

"The rhythm in which you smashed it, the way the ball left your bat, I was extremely happy. For the last two years, you have worked really hard behind the scenes, kept quiet. Even when the opportunity did not come, you were still smiling, keeping the spirit high and working hard," said Hardik.

"Hard work is supposed to happen when no one is watching. And that is the actual benefit. No matter what happens in life, do not be a crybaby. Get up in the morning, work hard, put your head down and sleep. Again, repeat it. He has taken the torch, responded with the bat, and I am really proud of it," the all-rounder added.

Ishan Kishan will look to carry his prolific form into the next group-stage match against Pakistan, scheduled for Sunday (February 15) in Colombo.