Ishan Kishan will return to the domestic circuit after choosing to skip the second leg of the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 season. The wicketkeeper batter had decided to skip the India vs South Africa Test series, citing mental fatigue at the end of last year. He was then expected to represent Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy, and despite getting a warning from the BCCI, he decided not to. Instead, Kishan chose to hone his T20 skills, taking part in the DY Patil T20 Tournament and then the IPL 2024 season.
Ishan Kishan’s domestic comeback
Miffed with his decision, the BCCI axed him from the central contracts, and the southpaw wasn’t even included in the ODI squad for the Sri Lanka tour despite being in the squad for the ODI World Cup last year. According to Cricbuzz, the 26-year-old will now return to domestic cricket after being counseled by national selectors.
The Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) has included Kishan in their 25-man pre-season probable squad. He’s confirmed his availability to the board for the 2024-25 domestic season and may even be considered for a leadership role.
No Duleep Trophy
Despite making a potential comeback, Kishan won’t be considered for the domestic season-opening tournament, the Duleep Trophy. The four-team first-class event will start on September 5, but since Kishan hasn’t made himself available for his state earlier in the year, he won’t be considered for the East Zone.
To be considered for the Duleep Trophy or India in the future, Kishan will have to perform on the domestic circuit and earn his place back.