Cousin died in car accident a day before final, Ishan Kishan dedicates T20WC win to her

India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan delivered an emotional message after India's triumph in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, revealing that he had lost his cousin in a car accident just a day before the final and dedicated the victory to her.

Speaking during the post-match press conference, Kishan said he decided to play the match in her memory and credited teammate Hardik Pandya for encouraging him to focus on the team despite the personal tragedy.

"To be honest, before the game, I lost my cousin yesterday in a car accident. I played well for her. I spoke to Hardik bhai, he told me to put the team ahead. I dedicate this win to her, and today is Women's Day, so it makes it all the more special," Kishan said.

The left-handed batter also spoke about the change in his mindset in recent times, explaining that he has stopped overthinking and now focuses only on what is within his control.

"I have stopped thinking too much. Just do your work and not think about the things which are not in your control, and that's what Virat bhai always did," he said.

Kishan further revealed an interesting conversation he had with India captain Suryakumar Yadav before the T20 World Cup tournament.

Kishan was the fourth-highest run-getter in the T20 World Cup. The left-handed batter smashed 317 runs in nine matches at an astonishing strike rate of 193.29. The southpaw hammered three half-centuries.

"When Surya bhai called, I took a screenshot and thought it was for the World Cup. He called and asked 'World Cup jeetwayega kya'. I said, 'aap bharosa karoge kya', and he said 'chal kiya'," Kishan added.