The situation surrounding Ishan Kishan remains intriguing, as the wicketkeeper-batsman has not indicated his availability for the ongoing Ranji Trophy. This would have been an opportunity for him to stake his claim for the upcoming five-match Test series against England on home turf.
Earlier, Kishan had requested a break during the South Africa tour due to mental fatigue. As he wasn’t picked for the home T20I series against Afghanistan, speculations arose, hinting that his exclusion might be a disciplinary action by the team.
According to media reports, the BCCI expressed dissatisfaction with Ishan Kishan socializing in Dubai and participating in a television game show. This raised concerns as Kishan had previously requested a break to alleviate mental fatigue.
However, head coach Rahul Dravid has contradicted the media reports, affirming that Kishan should participate in domestic cricket to secure a place back in the team. Despite Jharkhand, Kishan’s state side, commencing their Ranji Trophy campaign against Saurashtra, and having another match scheduled against Maharashtra in Pune today (Friday, January 12), there is no indication of Kishan’s involvement.
“No, Ishan hasn’t contacted or told us anything about his availability. Whenever he tells us, he will walk into the playing XI,” Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) secretary Debasish Chakraborty told PTI.
Shreyas Iyer, not selected for the T20I series against Afghanistan, has decided to make himself available and will participate in Mumbai’s forthcoming Ranji Trophy match against Andhra.
“He’ll participate in domestic cricket when available, making himself officially selectable”- Rahul Dravid on Ishan Kishan
Given the team’s preference for KL Rahul as a specialist batsman in Tests due to injury worries, Ishan Kishan stands a good chance of securing a spot in the squad, especially for the England Tests. However, it remains uncertain if the selectors will choose Kishan, considering his limited recent game time.
“Absolutely no disciplinary issue. Ishan Kishan was not available for selection. Ishan requested for a break, which we agreed in South Africa. We supported it. He has not yet made himself available. When he is available, he will play domestic cricket and make himself available for selection,” Dravid said ahead of the first T20I against Afghanistan.
The initial Test of the five-match series between India and England is scheduled to take place at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, commencing on January 25.
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