New coach Gautam Gambhir is all set to begin his reign in Sri Lanka with ODIs and T20Is beginning July 27. And as selectors set to pick the India squad for Sri Lanka series, all eyes will be on Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan. Shreyas has been out of India setup since February while Kishan has been sidelined since December. The two rebels, who lost the central contract for ignoring BCCI’s calls to play the Ranji Trophy, will once again vie for a spot in IND vs SL series. But the question is: will Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar recall the rebel duo?
The answer will be out in the next few days when the India squad for Sri Lanka series is out. However, InsideSport understands that Shreyas Iyer will return for the IND vs SL ODIs. As for Ishan Kishan, he did not please anyone ignoring calls to play Ranji Trophy for Jharkhand. Now, with Rishabh Pant back, Sanju Samson making a case and Dhruv Jurel also impressing in Indian colours, Gambhir-Agarkar duo will take a call on Ishan’s return.
Shreyas Iyer to return
The situation with Shreyas Iyer was a clear case of miscommunication and misunderstanding. Iyer complained of back pain since his surgery after impressive returns in the ODI World Cup. However, the National Cricket Academy did not do him any favours.
Despite not turning up for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy since being released from the Test squad, Iyer eventually played in domestic cricket and then IPL. But things seem to be on track for Iyer who also lost the BCCI Central Contract. Shreyas Iyer had a chat with BCCI chairman Jay Shah following IPL final and they have cooled things off if sources are to be believed.
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With a great rapport with Gambhir, Iyer will return to the ODI side for IND vs SL series. However, despite leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2024 title, Iyer is not being currently considered for T20Is.
“Shreyas scored over 500 runs in the World Cup, He had two centuries as well. So, there is no doubt, he is in selectors’ minds. He has proven his worth time and again. Now, the ball is in selectors’ court to recall him for the ODIs, which I am sure, they will,” a senior BCCI officer told InsideSport.
Curious case of Ishan Kishan
However, Ishan Kishan has yet to earn back the selectors’ trust despite clearing his stance. With an ordinary IPL 2024, scoring 320 runs at an average of 22.86 including a solitary half-century, he has not done himself any favours. He did not find a place in the recently concluded Zimbabwe series. Now, it is unlikely that he will find a place in the IND vs SL series either.
The only way, he can find a place is if Sanju Samson gets a break. The other way would be if India decide to carry a third keeper for IND vs SL T20Is. At the moment, the chances are slim.
Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant, Prabhsimran Singh and Dhruv Jurel all had better seasons with the bat in IPL. Hence, the only way for Ishan Kishan to earn a recall will be through performance in the domestic season. But if Gautam Gambhir wants to try things out with him, there could be a possibility.
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