Ishan Kishan’s childhood coach Uttam Mazumdar believes the wicketkeeper-batter has put himself firmly in contention for a Test return after a remarkable 270 in the Duleep Trophy 2026 final.

Just before the final, Mazumdar met Kishan around Teachers’ Day and gave his student a clear target. “I want to see you number one in all three formats, not just T20s,” he told him.

Kishan had already climbed to the top of the T20 batting rankings earlier this year during an impressive return to India’s white-ball setup. His huge Duleep Trophy innings has now strengthened his case in red-ball cricket.

“I hope the people that watched know that 270 is not a simple matter,” Mazumdar said. “That was an amazing innings.”

The coach rated the knock among Kishan’s finest, particularly because of the challenging circumstances. “It’s one of the best (innings Kishan has played) because of the conditions,” he said. “He’s played under the heat, in tough conditions and against tough opposition.”

According to Mazumdar, Kishan’s recent rise has not come through major technical adjustments but through a change in his mentality.

“Nothing technical has changed. He was the same Ishan Kishan you see right now,” he said. “But the temperament has changed. Runs ka bhook aa gaya hai (the hunger for runs has come). There is now a big challenge in front of him, to make it in all three formats. His approach is the same, but his mindset has changed, and he has excelled.”

Mazumdar added: “Once you have a good technique, sometimes what you need is clarity in your mindset. His mindset has totally changed.”

He said meditation, fitness and nutrition have also contributed to Kishan’s development.

The 28-year-old’s leadership also stood out in the final. Kishan guided younger teammates Shikhar Mohan and Kumar Kushagra while batting and displayed his tactical skills as East Zone captain in difficult conditions.

Mazumdar believes those leadership qualities have developed over many years. “Nothing has happened overnight, it’s been there from the beginning,” he said.

“He backs everyone, that is most important,” Mazumdar added. “He doesn’t speak negatively.”

With Kishan having played two Tests, his latest performance could reopen the door to the national red-ball side.

“With the way he is in form, I think the Indian team management could think about what his best role could be in the Test team,” Mazumdar said, before adding: “Players like this shouldn’t be missed out on.”