Ishan Kishan comeback hopes seem increasingly elusive as the young opener again skipped Jharkhand’s Ranji Trophy clash, this time against Services. This has further fuelled speculations about his future with the Indian cricket team.
Despite calls by Rahul Dravid to prove his fitness and regain favor through domestic performances, Ishan Kishan remained absent for the third consecutive first-class match. He missed out on valuable red-ball practice before the high-profile Test series against England.
This continued absence comes after Ishan Kishan was overlooked for the first two Tests against England, with KL Rahul, KS Bharat, and Dhruv Jurel taking the wicket-keeping mantle. Whispers of a rift between Ishan Kishan and the team management, led by coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma, have swirled ever since news of his mental health break emerged.
Adding to the intrigue, Indian Express report hinted at “indiscipline” as a reason for Ishan Kishan’s exclusion, citing his presence at a Dubai party during his mental health break. However, Rahul Dravid dismissed these claims during the Afghan T20I series press conference, while Ishan Kishan was seen practicing and expressing positivity on social media.
Ishan Kishan future in doubt?
The official reason for Kishan’s exit from the South Africa Test squad in December remained “personal reasons,” with reports suggesting mental fatigue from relentless travel and limited playing opportunities. He had reportedly sought a break as early as November’s T20Is against Australia.
Now, with Ishan Kishan opting out of Ranji Trophy yet again, questions surround his commitment to reasserting himself in the Test team. The India vs England series holds immense significance for Rohit Sharma-led side’s World Test Championship campaign, and his absence from domestic preparation fuels doubt about his potential inclusion.
While the reasons behind Ishan Kishan choices remain unclear, his continued absence adds another layer of intrigue to his cricketing journey. Will he find his way back into the national fold, or will this extended hiatus mark a turning point in his career? Only time will tell how this complex conundrum unfolds.
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