Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer were left out of India's squad for Afghanistan T20Is.
Wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan and middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer were left out of the squad, much to the surprise of cricket fans and experts.
Since the Indian board didn’t offer any clarity, speculation was rife about the possible reasons for their snubs. One report recently claimed that the duo was excluded from Afghanistan T20Is on disciplinary grounds.
However, India head coach Rahul Dravid on Wednesday (January 10) dismissed the claim that disciplinary action has been taken against Ishan and Shreyas.
Dravid clarified that during the South Africa tour, Ishan Kishan asked for a break due to mental fatigue, which the team management approved.
The coach further said that the southpaw has not made himself available for selection since then and will return to domestic cricket when he feels prepared.
"No, absolutely not (disciplinary issue). Ishan Kishan was not available for selection. Ishan requested a break, which we agreed on in South Africa. We supported it," Dravid told reporters on the eve of the first T20I against Afghanistan in Mohali.
Ishan Kishan didn't get consistent opportunities in India’s playing XI last year despite being part of the team. In ODIs, KL Rahul was preferred over him as a wicketkeeper-batter while the team management opted to give Jitesh Sharma a chance from the fourth T20I at home against Australia.
However, Dravid did not rule Kishan out of India's scheme of things. "He has made himself unavailable for selection. I am sure when he is available (for selection), he will play domestic cricket (and comeback). So that was the case," the coach said.
As for Shreyas Iyer, Dravid said: "Shreyas Iyer's case has absolutely nothing to do with any disciplinary issue. It is just that he missed out. There are a lot of batsmen in the team. He did not play in the T20s in the SA as well."
With competition for slots, Rahul Dravid said it was tough to accommodate all the batters into the squad or the playing XI.
"It is unfortunate because he is a fine player but there are a lot of batsmen and it is not easy to fit everyone into the squad or playing 11. No discipline issues were discussed, at least during my discussion with the selectors," he remarked.
Notably, Shreyas Iyer has been named in Mumbai’s squad for their second Ranji Trophy game against Andhra, starting on January 12. The right-hander is likely to be picked in India’s squad for the upcoming five-Test series against England at home.
(With PTI Inputs)