Why is Ishan Kishan Not Playing Jharkhand vs Rajasthan Match in SMAT?

Left-handed batter Ishan Kishan has emerged as the most explosive performer of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, delivering multiple game-changing innings for Jharkhand in the domestic T20 tournament. One of the highlights of his batting was an unbeaten 113 from only 50 deliveries.

The Jharkhand skipper struck 8 sixes and 10 fours against Tripura and chased down a target of 182 with ease, courtesy of his knock. Kishan has been in superb form this season and has played a key role in Jharkhand's success so far.

Why is Ishan Kishan Not Playing Today in Jharkhand vs Rajasthan SMAT Match?

Across the group phase, Ishan Kishan has maintained an aggressive scoring rate with a strike rate of nearly 200 and sits among the competition’s leading run-scorers with 271 runs off just six matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy so far.

Kishan is among the best wicketkeepers in India, and the management has decided to give him rest before the knockout stages of the tournament, as Jharkhand have already qualified and won all six of their matches. They are on top of the Elite Group D points table. In Kishan's absence, Kumar Kushagra is leading the Jharkhand cricket team for today's match against Rajasthan cricket team.

Ishan Kishan Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy performance has been quite impressive, and now the left-hander will be keen to make his comeback or at least be considered in the scheme of things by the BCCI for the shorter formats.

Across formats, Kishan has delivered strong returns. He has smashed 933 runs in ODIs at an average of 42.40, including a memorable double-century, and scored 796 T20I runs, which include six half-centuries and fifties. Ishan Kishan SMAT 2025 runs, along with the other standout domestic performances, are likely to strengthen his case further.

If he continues producing impactful knocks, it will increase his chances in the eyes of both the team management and the national selectors as future opportunities arise.

Top Ishan Kishan Knocks In SMAT 2025

During the 2025–26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Ishan Kishan produced a series of eye-catching knocks that showed both his form and hunger to climb back into the national setup. His most memorable effort came against Tripura, where he hammered an unbeaten 113 off just 50 deliveries, reaching his hundred in only 45 balls.

In a crucial chase of 183, Kishan smashed 10 boundaries and 8 sixes, and alongside Virat Singh (53* off 40), put together a commanding 153-run partnership for the third wicket to wrap up the match with more than two overs to spare. During this knock, he established his credentials as one of the best batsmen in India.

Earlier in the campaign, Kishan lit up the tournament with another brutal display against Saurashtra, smashing 93 off 50 balls to lead Jharkhand to 209/8. Kishan is the skipper of the Jharkhand side, and the team has flourished under his leadership, winning all six of their group stage matches and is on top of the points table in the Elite Group D.

With these two standout performances in the SMAT league stage, including a century and a commanding ninety, Kishan reminded everyone of his explosive T20 potential, strengthening his case for a future comeback in India’s white-ball squads.