T20 World Cup 2026: India's Path to Victory Needs Ishan Kishan at No. 5

• India prepares for T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosting with Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
• Suryakumar Yadav captains, Axar Patel is vice-captain; Gill and Jitesh Sharma dropped from the squad.
• The article argues Ishan Kishan is crucial at number 5 for India to win the World Cup.
• Kishan is in superb form, scoring 500+ runs in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and a century at No. 5 in Vijay Hazare Trophy.
• Proposed playing XI includes Kishan at 5, with Sanju/Abhishek opening, followed by Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav.

Why It Matters: Ishan Kishan's current form makes him indispensable at number 5 for India's T20 World Cup 2026 success.