Ishan Kishan has been in great nick since the West Indies tour in July. However, the batter has played just 17 matches in the last five months, which have included two multi-nation events, the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup. Despite playing just two matches in the World Cup, the wicketkeeper batter was excluded from the last two T20Is of the IND vs AUS series. This perplexing exclusion has prompted former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja to criticise the decision by the BCCI.
While talking on Sports Tak, the former attacking batter said, “There was a series right after the World Cup. Ishan Kishan played three matches and went home (rested). Was he really that tired after three matches that he needed rest?”
Jadeja continued, questioning what prompted the Indian management to exclude him, “He didn’t even play a lot of games at the World Cup. He deserved his spot in the playing XI for the first few World Cup matches. How many Indian players have scored a double century on a good day?”
“Ishan Kishan didn’t even play the entire five-match T20I series against Australia. He was sent home (rested) after three matches to rest. So, if this is going to continue, how will you ensure that he is fully ready?” Ajay Jadeja concluded.
Was Ishan Kishan’s exclusion warranted with T20 World Cup 2024 coming up
As Jadeja pointed out, will Ishan be fully ready if not given play time ahead of the T20 World Cup? With India scheduled to play just 6 T20Is before the IPL 2024 season gets underway, has the southpaw been given enough chances?
Kishan has been a member of the limited-overs squad for a couple of years now. It seems that the management views him as a core part of the team and hence feels his health and fitness are more valuable to them than game time.
However, given his T20I record, fans would like for him to play more and prove his worth. As of now, Kishan averages a touch over 25 while striking the ball at under 125. With these figures, one would like for the wicketkeeper batter to play more and show his worth or make room for others.
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