Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan is likely to return to the Indian team for the upcoming Test series against England at home, Cricbuzz reported on Thursday (January 11).

According to the report, the team management has decided to relieve KL Rahul from keeping duties in the longest format of the game, making Kishan the front-runner to grab the spot in the five-match series provided he proves his fitness in a Ranji Trophy match.

Ishan was last seen in action during the home T20I series against Australia post the 2023 World Cup. While the southpaw was not considered for the white-ball leg of the South Africa tour, he opted out of the Test series citing personal reasons.

Earlier this week, the selectors left him out for the three-T20I series against Afghanistan, leading to speculation that Ishan may have been dropped on disciplinary grounds.

However, India head coach Rahul Dravid on Wednesday (January 10) dismissed such claims before revealing that the left-hander was unavailable for selection.

"Absolutely no disciplinary issue. Ishan Kishan was not available for selection. Ishan requested for a break, which we agreed in South Africa. We supported it. He has not yet made himself available. When he is available, he will play domestic cricket and make himself available for selection," Dravid told reporters on the eve of the first T20I against Afghanistan.

As per the report, Ishan Kishan might make himself available for Jharkhand's next Ranji Trophy fixture against Services in Delhi from January 19 to prove his readiness.

On his return to Test cricket, Rahul did a great job in his new role as a keeper and middle-order batter. He, however, may not get the same role against England, especially given the challenges of keeping wickets on turning Indian pitches.

Rahul, who is likely to play as a specialist batter in the England series, has been advised rest as opposed to middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer, who has been asked to play in Mumbai’s second Ranji Trophy match against Andhra.

The other keeper in the fray is KS Bharat, who was once ahead of both Kishan and Rahul in the pecking order. However, his failure in the home series against Australia last year and the WTC final resulted in him getting dropped from the side.

Nonetheless, Bharat is likely to play for India ‘A’ against England Lions to put forward his case as a wicketkeeper-batter for the England series.

(Cricbuzz Inputs)