India’s wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan revealed he lost his cousin sister in a car accident a day before the T20 World Cup 2026 final, which the Men in Blue clinched by defeating New Zealand in Ahmedabad on Sunday (March 8).
Following the triumph, the southpaw shared the heartbreaking news and dedicated the historic title win to her memory.
Speaking during the post-match press conference in Ahmedabad, Kishan said he decided to step onto the field and play the match in her memory.
The 27-year-old went on to add that a conversation with teammate Hardik Pandya helped him steady his mind before the title clash.
“To be honest, before the game, I lost my cousin sister yesterday in a car accident. I played well for her. I spoke to Hardik bhai, he said to put the team ahead. I dedicate this win to her, and today is Women's Day, so it makes it all the more special,” Kishan told reporters after India’s 96-run win in the final.
Ishan Kishan also opened up on the shift in his mindset over the past year, explaining that he has tried to stop overthinking situations that are beyond his control.
“I have stopped thinking too much. Just do your work and not think about the things which are not under your control, and that's what Virat bhai always did,” Kishan said, referencing Virat Kohli.
The swashbuckling left-hander reminisced a light-hearted exchange with India skipper Suryakumar Yadav before the T20 World Cup squad was finalised.
“When Surya bhai called, I took a screenshot and thought it was for the World Cup. He called and asked WC jeetwayega kya. I asked, ‘Aap bharosa karoge kya?’ and I said, ‘Karoonga.’ He said chal kiya,” Kishan recalled.
Ishan Kishan finished the T20 World Cup 2026 as the fourth-highest run-getter, piling up 317 runs in nine innings at an incredible strike rate of 193.29 with three half-centuries.
Coming to the final, India produced a clinical performance, posting a mammoth 255/5 in 20 overs after being put into bat -- the highest-ever total in the summit clash of a T20 World Cup.
Sanju Samson led the way with a knock of 89 in 46 balls. Abhishek Sharma (52 off 21) saved his best for last, smashing the fastest half-century of the tournament, off just 18 balls. Kishan (54 off 25) and Shivam Dube (26 off 8) also made significant contributions.
With the ball, Jasprit Bumrah (4/15 in 4 overs) and Axar Patel (3/27 in 3 overs) were the pick of the bowlers as India bundled New Zealand out for 159 in 19 overs.
