Ishan Kishan‘s strange situation continues, as the wicketkeeper-batter is yet to make himself available for the present Ranji Trophy
and make his case for the impending five-match Test series against England on home soil.
Kishan had requested a break from the squad during the South Africa trip, claiming mental weariness.
After the southpaw was not picked for the home T20I series against Afghanistan, rumors began to
circulate that his exclusion was a disciplinary step taken by the squad against him.
According to media sources, the BCCI was not pleased with Kishan partying in Dubai and starring
on a television game show after he had requested a vacation to relieve mental exhaustion.
However, head coach Rahul Dravid has refuted the media’s assertions but has asked that Kishan play local cricket to return to the team.
Jharkhand, Kishan’s domestic state team, has already opened their Ranji Trophy season with a match against Saurashtra.
They are scheduled to play Maharashtra in Pune today, Friday, January 12, but Kishan is still missing.
No, Ishan has not contacted us or informed us of his availability.
Debasish Chakraborty, secretary of the Jharkhand State Cricket Association, told PTI that whenever he informs us, he would walk into the playing XI.
Shreyas Iyer, who was also left out of the team for the T20I series against Afghanistan,
has agreed to participate in Mumbai’s next Ranji Trophy match against Andhra.
When he becomes available, he will play domestic cricket and make himself formally available for selection – Ishan Kishan, Rahul Dravid
Due to injury worries, the team management is focused on KL Rahul playing as a pure batter in Tests,
hence Ishan Kishan has a genuine chance of making the squad at least for the England Tests.
However, it remains to be seen whether the selectors would consider Kishan despite his lack of significant playing time.
There is no disciplinary problem. Ishan Kishan was unavailable for consideration.
Ishan sought a vacation, and we agreed to visit South Africa. We were in favor of it.
He hasn’t made himself available yet.
Dravid stated before the first T20I against Afghanistan that he will play local cricket and make himself available for selection when he is available.
The opening Test of the five-match series will be played on January 25 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
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