Ishan Kishan, the talented Indian wicketkeeper-batter, has become a mystery wrapped in an enigma. With the England Test series in full swing and no Indian Premier League (IPL) on the horizon, his extended absence from competitive cricket has raised eyebrows and sparked questions about his future.
Ishan Kishan hasn’t been seen on the field since playing the first three T20Is against Australia in October. He opted out of the subsequent South Africa tour despite being part of the Test squad, citing the need for a break. He hasn’t participated in Jharkhand’s ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024 campaign either, leaving his home cricket association clueless about his plans.
Head coach Rahul Dravid assures there are no disciplinary issues, but Kishan’s continued absence, punctuated by cryptic social media posts, has fuelled speculation. Some suspect mental fatigue, while others wonder if Ishan Kishan is prioritizing franchise cricket over national duty.
His omission from the ODI World Cup after Shubman Gill’s recovery and preference of Jitesh Sharma over him in South Africa paint a picture of him struggling for a permanent spot in the XI. This, coupled with reports of him training privately with Hardik Pandya, adds to the confusion.
BCCI not happy with Ishan Kishan
As per The Telegraph, the BCCI selectors aren’t pleased with Kishan’s apparent disregard for domestic cricket, as the upcoming IPL is supposed to be the selection ground for the T20 World Cup in June. Whispers suggest Jitesh Sharma or Sanju Samson are already preferred choices.
“This is a very delicate situation. He perhaps needs a long break. Support him and allow him the freedom to deal with such circumstances,” someone in the know of things told The Telegraph.
While some advocate for patience and understanding, others question the leniency shown towards Ishan Kishan, a Grade C contracted player with a hefty retainer. His silence towards the Board’s request to play Ranji, however, paints a picture of potential discord.
The Ishan Kishan saga leaves several questions unanswered: Where is he? When will he return? Can he regain his place in the national team? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – his return, when it happens, will be closely scrutinized in a cricket-crazy nation eager for answers.
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