‘No competition between us’: Ishan Kishan speaks on bond with Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson

Saurav Goyal

‘No competition between us’: Ishan Kishan speaks on bond with Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson image

Sportzpics, BCCI

Ishan Kishan has always been one of the most exciting young talents in Indian cricket. Known for his fearless batting and big shots, he has also faced tough times trying to secure his place in the national team.

Recently, Kishan opened up about his relationship with fellow wicketkeeper-batters Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson and said that there is no rivalry even amid competition for spots.

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How does Ishan Kishan view his bond with Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson?

Ishan shared that he has known Pant and Samson since their Under-19 days and that they never see each other as competition.

“No, like when we are together, we have been together since Under-19, so we don't talk about competition, because at the end of the day we have to represent India,” Kishan said.

He added that in the nets or during practice, they share tips and support each other. Even on social media, fans sometimes make it look like a rivalry, but for the players, it’s all about teamwork and helping each other improve for the country. 

“If I am in nets, Rishabh tries to help me and then if I feel something, I talk to Rishabh. I talk to Sanju bhai very well, we have a very good connection, actually all three of us have a very good connection, so there is no competition,” said Kishan.

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He explained that the three share a friendly understanding built on mutual respect and trust.

“On social media, it seems that all three are wicket keepers, everyone has their own fan groups and that is out of love, that is not a competition, that is out of love for their own, so this happens but we help each other, because at the end of the day, we also know that we have to represent India,” he added.

What challenges has Ishan Kishan faced in his cricketing career?

Ishan captained India’s U19 team to the World Cup final in 2016 and made headlines domestically with a massive 273 in the Ranji Trophy for Jharkhand.

His international debut came in 2021 in T20Is and ODIs. Ishan made history as he became the youngest player to hit a double century in ODIs.

His last match for India came in November 2023 and after withdrawing from the South Africa tour citing mental fatigue, he was dropped from all squads and lost his BCCI contract.

Even in IPL 2025, he had mixed performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad as he scored only 354 runs in 14 matches.

While Kishan has faced hurdles, his record speaks volumes. He has played two Tests, 27 ODIs and 32 T20Is for India. His 210 against Bangladesh is the fastest double century in ODI history by a young Indian.

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Saurav Goyal

Saurav Goyal is a Content Producer at the Sporting News with over two years of experience in covering cricket. An avid cricket fan for more than two decades, his passion for the game led him to writing. Since then, he’s been delivering the latest news and engaging content to keep cricket fans informed and entertained.