Where is Ishan Kishan? Why is he not playing Ranji Trophy? As questions are raised on his exile from India Cricket Team, one can find striking similarities with MS Dhoni. Both are Jharkhand players, both are wicketkeeper-batters, both have led Jharkhand and both have ignored selectors’ advice on playing domestic cricket.
Selectors dropped Ishan Kishan from the squad for IND vs ENG Test after he sought a break midway through the IND vs SA series. Selectors as well as India head coach Rahul Dravid had advised him to play in domestic cricket. However, Jharkhand are playing their fourth match in Ranji Trophy 2024 and Kishan is nowhere.
Is Ishan Kishan following MS Dhoni?
Back in 2018, the MSK Prasad-led selection committee asked MS Dhoni to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to remain in touch with competitive cricket to be eligible for selection in T20Is and ODIs.
But Dhoni snubbed those calls and chose not to play in domestic cricket. While announcing the squad for the West Indies in 2018, MSK Prasad said Dhoni would join the Jharkhand team for the Vijay Hazare knockouts.
But even as some enthusiastic local players arrived at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru as net bowlers, Dhoni was nowhere to be seen. Later, the then-Jharkhand coach confirmed that Dhoni did not want to join the team as it would mean dropping another player.
History seems to be repeating. Only this time, it’s not a player of MS Dhoni’s stature, rather it’s a youngster.
During the IND vs AFG T20 series, Rahul Dravid confirmed that he would play domestic cricket and make himself available. But it has not happened yet. As a result, Kishan found no place in the squad for IND vs ENG Test. Instead, Dhruv Jurel got a maiden Test call-up.
“Ishan Kishan was not available for selection. Ishan requested a break, which we agreed on 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.
While BCCI has remained silent on the matter, as per Ishan Kishan’s last social media post, he is back at the National Cricket Academy. So, is he carrying an injury or just a routine visit?
The ball is now selectors’ court when Ishan Kishan returns to the fold. With Ishan still contesting for a spot in the T20 World Cup 2024, it would be crucial for him to play in Ranji Trophy.
