Ishan Kishan expressed discontent and frustration for being benched, despite making the most of his opportunities, particularly in ODIs and T20Is. Aakash Chopra questioned Ishan Kishan’s absence in the announced T20I series squad against Afghanistan.
Despite not being a regular XI player, Kishan has consistently been part of the squad in all formats. However, an Indian Express report clarified that Kishan, who left South Africa before the Test series due to a family emergency, was available for the T20Is but was omitted.
The BCCI provided no explanation, but disciplinary reasons might be the cause for Kishan’s exclusion. Kishan was seen training in Vadodara earlier this week, dispelling concerns about his physical and mental condition.
However, despite this, he was not picked for the squad. The Express report suggests there might be undisclosed reasons behind his omission. Kishan was said to be dissatisfied and frustrated with being on the sidelines, despite performing well in various formats, notably in ODIs and T20Is.
Additionally, the aggressive left-handed opener had been seeking a break from the team management and BCCI selectors since the ODI World Cup last year, but his request was not granted.
In contrast to many World Cup squad members, Kishan was included in the T20I squad for the home series against Australia.
Although he had a break for the last two matches, he stayed with the squad. Subsequently, the 25-year-old sought a break from the white-ball segment of the South Africa tour but was denied.
Kishan traveled to Dubai following his report of mental fatigue
Ishan Kishan was initially part of the Test squad but felt KL Rahul might be preferred as the specialist keeper, leading to complications. Due to mental fatigue and family commitments, he had to be removed from the Test squad, and KS Bharat was named as the backup keeper.
BCCI and the Indian team management were surprised because Ishan Kishan didn’t go home to be with his family during the break. Instead, he went to Dubai and was spotted having a good time at parties.
“He told the team management that he has mental fatigue because he had been on the road continuously and wanted to spend time with his family back home. Instead, he chose to travel to Dubai and was seen partying,” A source involved in the matter shared details for the report.
People close to the player raise another question in response: “When he has been given a break, how does it matter where he spends his time? He wants to be away from the game as constant travelling and warming the bench has taken a toll mentally. And he was in Dubai for his brother’s birthday celebrations.”
Currently, it remains uncertain whether Kishan will be selected for the five-match home series against England commencing on January 25.
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