Ishan Kishan was asked by Rahul Dravid to play in Ranji Trophy and then he will be considered for selection in the Indian cricket team. There has been a dearth of wicket-keepers in the side as KL Rahul is still to be fit while KS Bharat’s numbers have been dwindling more than ever. So obviously the next name that comes to our mind is Ishan Kishan and after being spotted partying in Dubai, Dravid made it very clear that it is no fault of his but then to be considered for the Indian team, he will have to start playing domestic cricket.
As per the latest update, Ishan Kishan was seen practicing with the Pandya brothers wherein his team has a Ranji match from 7th. Now that is certainly surprising because it feels like a direct mockery of the Indian head coach’s orders. So what’s next? He walks out scot-free and joins the Indian team? Well, maybe and just maybe this is the time when India may try out Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson more extensively, citing three definite reasons .
#1 You can’t just obey a direct order from the coach
In the finest of professions, an order is an order unless there is something greater involved in the other side. Ishan Kishan has directly disobeyed that and unless he listens to what Dravid has to say, then finding his way back to the Indian team should usually take time. Also, the entire world was abuzz with the Jadon Sancho saga at Manchester United. Maybe the degree of the cases will be different but when it comes to getting selected in the Indian team, there are a few names that you listen to, particularly the one called Rahul Dravid.
Rahul Dravid said, “whenever Ishan Kishan is ready, I didn’t say he has to play domestic cricket, but some cricket and come back. We’re not forcing him to do anything”. pic.twitter.com/tUH7DFiQaT
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 5, 2024
#2 Bracing himself for match-fitness
Getting back into practice and getting back into match-fitness are two entirely different things. Ishan Kishan is certainly one of the fittest youngsters in any side but then once you step into the yard, life is challenging. You just do not make it straight to hell and survive. Even if India decides to call him up for the remainder of the Test match, what follows suit? Is he well prepared to brave England? This is where that alarm call of Dravid to get him into shape comes in handy.
#3 India needs to start finding some strong back-up names with the gloves too
Gone are the days when you would just have a keeper who can keep well. In fact, Saha would have then made a force to reckon with. Hence, with the talent pool that India has, they should start taking a look at the possible alternatives that would include the likes of Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma and even KL Rahul as a full-time keeper.
