Ishan Kishan marked his return to the Indian playing XI with a memorable half-century in the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on Sunday.

The wicketkeeper-batter achieved two major milestones during his innings. He became the seventh Indian to complete 2,000 runs in T20I cricket, surpassing Suryakumar Yadav's record for the most T20I runs by an Indian in a calendar year.

Kishan had entered the series just 46 runs short of the 2,000-run milestone, having scored 1,954 runs in 66 T20I innings.

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He reached the milestone during his 32-ball knock of 61, which included five fours and five sixes. His innings provided India with an important contribution after the visitors were asked to bat first by New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner.

Ishan Kishan Joins India's 2,000 T20I Runs Club

With the achievement, Kishan became the seventh Indian batter to cross the 2,000-run mark in T20Is. He joined an elite group featuring Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya and Shikhar Dhawan.

The left-handed batter had been in excellent form throughout 2026 and entered the New Zealand series on the verge of several records. His latest achievement adds another historic feat to an impressive year in the shortest international format.

Ishan Kishan Breaks Suryakumar Yadav's T20I Record

Kishan also went past Suryakumar's Indian record for the most T20I runs in a calendar year. Suryakumar had scored 1,164 runs in 2022, setting the previous benchmark for an Indian batter.

Kishan had already come close to the record before the New Zealand series. According to figures reported ahead of the tour, he had gathered 1,158 T20I runs in 2026 and needed just seven more to jump ahead of Suryakumar. 

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Ishan Kishan Leads India's Batting Charge In Hamilton

Kishan's 61 came at a crucial stage of India's innings after the visitors lost wickets at regular intervals. He struck five sixes and five boundaries during his stay at the crease, maintaining an aggressive approach against the New Zealand bowling attack.

His dismissal came in the 11th over when Blair Tickner found the fielder at deep mid-wicket, with Nathan Smith completing the catch. India will hope his form continues as they look to finish the five-match series on a positive note.