Sat Jan 24 06:00:00 UTC 2026: ### Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan Power India to T20I Series Lead Against New Zealand

The Story:
In a tense chase against New Zealand in the second T20I held in Raipur, India found themselves in early trouble at 6/2 in the second over. However, a dynamic partnership between Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan turned the tide, leading India to a convincing victory and a 2-0 series lead. Yadav’s return to form, marked by an aggressive 82 off 37 balls, complemented Kishan’s explosive start, which provided the much-needed momentum for the chase.

Key Points:

  • Suryakumar Yadav scored 82 off 37 balls, including 9 fours and 4 sixes, ending a drought of half-centuries in 23 T20I innings.
  • Ishan Kishan contributed significantly with a quick-fire innings, relieving pressure on Suryakumar Yadav early on.
  • Shivam Dube played a crucial role in finishing the game, scoring 36 runs off 18 balls and also taking a wicket.
  • This match marked India’s 100th Men’s T20I at home, making the victory all the more memorable.
  • Ishan Kishan’s inclusion in the team was facilitated by resting Shubman Gill and his impressive performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 517 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 197.33.

Key Takeaways:

  • Suryakumar Yadav’s return to form is a major positive for India, reinforcing his importance in the T20I setup.
  • Ishan Kishan’s aggressive approach at the top of the order provides India with valuable impetus in run chases.
  • Shivam Dube’s all-round performance showcases his potential as a valuable asset in both batting and bowling departments.
  • Team India’s ability to successfully chase down targets, even after early setbacks, demonstrates their resilience and depth.
  • Strategic team selections, like resting Shubman Gill which allowed Ishan Kishan to play, can significantly impact the team’s performance.

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