Ishan Kishan path back to the India Cricket Team is clear: a strong domestic season is his only ticket. This comes after Shreyas Iyer’s successful return to the national side following a similar situation last year.
Second chance for Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer, who led the Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL victory under mentor Gautam Gambhir, has earned his recall.
He had previously been sidelined for skipping domestic cricket, citing a lower back issue. While Iyer technically wasn’t dropped from ODIs after scoring a fifty in the previous series, his return to the squad automatically restores his central contract.
Domestic performances hold key for Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan, however, isn’t as fortunate. Sources told PTI that he’s far from the selectors’ minds. The message is clear – playing solely in the IPL isn’t enough.
With Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Sanju Samson occupying the wicketkeeper slots in white-ball formats, Kishan needs to prove himself domestically.
Domestic stars reap rewards
The BCCI’s statement emphasises continued monitoring of player participation in the upcoming domestic season. Assam’s Riyan Parag, with his seven half-centuries in the 2023 Vijay Hazare Trophy, exemplifies the benefits of domestic dominance.
This reinforces the selectors’ focus on domestic performances when picking national teams.
New faces get ODI chance
Promising pacer Harshit Rana, who impressed with 19 wickets for KKR this IPL season, has been included in the ODI squad. The selectors are looking to expand their pace bowling pool and assess his skills at the international level.
Tough competition for Middle Order spots
Abhishek Sharma, despite his spectacular 46-ball century, misses out due to the skipper occupying the No. 3 spot. Similarly, Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad couldn’t find a place in this competitive squad.
