The last professional game of cricket Ishan Kishan played was on November 28 last year. It’s been over two months that the left-handed batsman and wicketkeeper has taken the field. He has also skipped all of Jharkhand’s Ranji trophy matches so far.
With KS Bharat flopping with the bat in the first two Tests against England, and the backup wicketkeeper being uncapped Dhruv Jurel, the questions of Ishan Kishan’s whereabouts are bound to arise among the fans and media.
India head coach Rahul Dravid was quizzed about Ishan Kishan at the end of the second match against England in Visakhapatnam.
Rahul Dravid made it clear that Kishan had requested a break in December when he pulled out from the Test series in South Africa and has not yet made himself available.
Dravid also was staunch in his comment that Kishan won’t be considered for selection straightaway for the rest of the series until he features in the ongoing domestic season.
Speaking in the post-match press conference in Vizag, as quoted by Wisden India, Rahul Dravid said, “There’s a way back for everyone. We don’t rule out anybody for anything. Ishan requested a break, and we were happy to give him a break. Whenever he is ready, he needs to play some cricket and come back. The choice is his.
Why is Ishan Kishan not playing?
Dravid confirmed that the BCCI and the management are in touch with Ishan Kishan but they are not forcing him to return before he wants to.
“We aren’t forcing him to do anything. We’re in touch with him but he’s not yet started playing, so it’s not something we can consider [having him back]. He decides when he wants to be ready.”
(Quote credit: Sarah Waris @swaris16)
Kishan had made his Test debut last year in the West Indies and scored an unbeaten half-century. With KS Bharat failing with the bat, fans have felt Kishan’s absence in the ongoing series. Jharkhand has only two more Ranji Trophy matches remaining, both this month. So, Kishan’s return is unlikely until the IPL 2024 in March.
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