“I focus on performing”: Ishan Kishan after leading from front with SMAT final century

Jharkhand clinched their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) title after defeating Haryana by 69 runs in a high-scoring final at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Thursday.

The win made Jharkhand the 12th state to lift India’s premier domestic T20 trophy, capping a remarkable campaign led by captain Ishan Kishan, who starred with both leadership and the bat.

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Kishan led from the front with a blistering century in the final, smashing 101 off 49 balls, including six fours and ten sixes, as Jharkhand posted a massive 262 for 3. It was the second century ever scored in an SMAT final, after Punjab’s Amolpreet Singh (113 against Baroda at Mohali in the 2023–24 season), and the first by a captain. Kishan also set the record for the most sixes in a SMAT final innings.

The left-hander added 177 runs for the second wicket with Kumar Kushagra, the highest partnership in an SMAT final, to put Haryana out of contention early in the match. Earlier in the tournament, Kishan had underlined his form with an unbeaten 113 off 50 balls against Tripura during the Elite Group stage.

After the win, Kishan highlighted a shift in mindset within the squad while downplaying individual milestones.

“We’ll lift more trophies in the future. This year, our mindset shifted – every player wanted to dominate and win. As for the World Cup squad selection, I focus on performing; that’s my job. I don’t worry about it,” Kishan told reporters.
“Every player hopes to make the Indian team, but the competition is tough and all we can do is give our best.”

Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) president Ajay Nath Shahdeo praised the team’s unity and credited Kishan’s leadership for the historic triumph.

“It is an honour that Jharkhand have won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for the first time. Every player gave their best, the coaching staff worked tirelessly, and Ishan Kishan played a key role in keeping the team united throughout the tournament,” Shahdeo said.

With Jharkhand joining the list of domestic T20 champions, Kishan’s performances have also put him firmly in the spotlight ahead of India’s T20 World Cup deliberations.