Every player faces their fair share of challenges, and one such tale revolves around the talented Indian wicketkeeper-batter, Ishan Kishan. His unexpected absence from the 2-match test series in South Africa raised eyebrows among Indian fans.r
With the void left by Rishabh Pant‘s unfortunate accident sidelining him from cricket activities in 2023, the Indian cricket team found themselves in need of an aggressive wicketkeeper-batsman. The attempt to fill this void with KS Bharat during the 4-match Border Gavaskar series and the WTC Final 2023 proved unsuccessful, leading the team management to explore other options.
Ishan Kishan’s journey in the recent West Indies tour showcased his potential as a game-changer. Having been included in the XI for the 2-match test series, Kishan brought flair and promise to the team. However, the revelation of his absence from the South Africa Tests left fans puzzled, and the mystery behind his withdrawal soon came to light.
The 25-year-old cricketer withdrew from the South Africa Tests, citing mental exhaustion as the primary reason. Reports from The Indian Express shed light on Kishan’s decision, revealing that he sought an extended break from cricket after communicating his mental fatigue to the team management.
The Real Reason Why Ishan Kishan Has Opted Out Of The Test Series
Kishan’s mental exhaustion can be traced back to a year of relentless commitment to the Indian cricket team across all three formats. From January to May, he participated in a series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Mumbai Indians. Despite being named in the Indian Test team for a four-game home series, he spent each game warming up on the bench.
The youthful wicketkeeper-batsman’s journey continued as he joined the team for the World Test Championship final in England. However, he found himself in a bench role once again, hinting at the toll his extensive schedule may have taken on his mental well-being.
From July 12th to the 13th, Kishan embarked on a journey with the team to the West Indies. His involvement in a single Test, three One-Day Internationals, and three Twenty20 Internationals showcased his versatility. The rigorous schedule continued with appearances in the Asia Cup, a three-ODI series against Australia at home, and the World Cup, all within a week’s time.
Kishan’s role in the ODI World Cup was dynamic, starting both of India’s initial matches in place of the injured Shubman Gill. However, as the injured players recovered, he gracefully returned to his bench spot. In the Twenty20 International series against Australia, Kishan showcased his class in the first three games before wisely taking a break for the last two.
