Ishan Kishan didn’t want to play T20 WC final, father reveals why

India’s memorable victory in the T20 World Cup 2026 final was not just a story of cricketing brilliance but also one of immense personal strength. Amid the celebrations of India’s historic triumph over New Zealand in Ahmedabad, Ishan Kishan delivered a remarkable performance while dealing with a heartbreaking family tragedy that unfolded just days before the final.

Personal Loss Before The Big Match

According to reports, Kishan’s cousin and brother-in-law lost their lives in a car accident on Friday, only two days before the World Cup final. The devastating incident left the family in deep shock and grief.

Kishan’s father, Pranav Pandey, confirmed the tragic news and said the family was struggling to cope with the loss. “Something terrible has happened. We are in a very big problem,” he said ahead of the final.

He also revealed that Kishan had wanted to return home to be with his family during the difficult time but was unable to do so because of the responsibility of playing in the World Cup final.

A Difficult Build-Up To The Final

The emotional weight of the tragedy was evident during India’s preparations for the match. Reports suggested that Kishan appeared quieter than usual during training sessions and lacked his typical energy.

His batting practice was also shorter than usual, and several teammates were seen offering support, placing an arm around his shoulder as he dealt with the heartbreaking news.

Rising Above Grief On The Field

Despite the emotional turmoil, Kishan stepped onto the field with determination. Batting at No. 3, the left-hander played a fearless innings, scoring a quick-fire 54 off just 25 balls.

After reaching his half-century, his third of the tournament, Kishan pointed his bat towards the sky, a gesture that appeared to acknowledge his personal loss.

He also made two outstanding catches in the outfield, dismissing New Zealand batters Rachin Ravindra and Tim Seifert.

A Performance To Remember

Kishan finished the tournament as the fourth-highest run-scorer, accumulating 317 runs in nine innings. His courageous performance in the final not only contributed to India’s title-winning campaign but also stood as a powerful reminder of the strength athletes often show in the face of personal grief.