India skipper Suryakumar Yadav presented the trophy to Player of the Match Ishan Kishan after the hosts clinched the five-match T20I series 3-1 against New Zealand in Trivandrum on Sunday, January 31. India sealed the series with a commanding 46-run win in the fifth T20I while successfully defending a massive total of 271.
Kishan starred with a sensational maiden T20I century, hammering 103 off just 43 deliveries, which included 10 sixes and six fours. During his innings, the 27-year-old was involved in a crucial 147-run stand for the third wicket.
Kishan wrapped up the series as India’s second-highest run-scorer, piling up 215 runs from four innings at a blistering strike rate of 231.18, highlighted by a century and a half-century. After receiving the trophy, Yadav passed it on to Kishan despite Rinku Singh’s playful request for it.
Kishan later shared the moment with Rinku, with the two teammates posing together for photographs. You can watch the video here:
Suryakumar Yadav’s heart-winning gesture of handing over the trophy to Ishan Kishan during the trophy celebration after winning the T20 series against New Zealand.❤ pic.twitter.com/cdenGnvDWF
— Sonu (@Cricket_live247) February 1, 2026
Suryakumar Yadav Lauds Ishan Kishan’s Form Ahead Of 2026 T20 World Cup
Suryakumar Yadav shared his happiness over Ishan Kishan successfully carrying his domestic form into international cricket during the five-match series. Describing him as a match-winner, the India captain said the left-hander has the ability to take the game away from the opposition.
Speaking on the post-match show, as quoted by The Indian Express, the 35-year-old said:
“We always knew what Ishan Kishan brings to the table. We have seen how he played in domestic cricket just before this series. We always wanted him to bat the same way and not change his identity. We wanted him to be a game changer. Whenever he batted, and the way he batted in all the games, he has given a strong statement.”
“I really enjoyed batting with him and also with Abhishek Sharma since game one. Both of them completely take the opposition out of it. And the pressure is very less on the middle order and the finishers to come.”
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.