Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has raised questions over Ishan Kishan's decision to take a break from the Indian team, citing mental fatigue.

Ishan opted out of the recently held Test series against South Africa, which was supported by both the team management and selectors.

The BCCI cited 'personal reasons' for his withdrawal and KS Bharat was named as his replacement for the South Africa Test series.

However, reports claimed that the southpaw was spotted in Dubai rather than returning home, leading to questions about his commitment.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Akmal slammed Kishan for requesting such a break so early in his career and mentioned that players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah also deal with mental fatigue.

“There has been talk about Ishan Kishan being released from the Test squad in South Africa to deal with mental fatigue. At this early stage of your career, what mental fatigue can you have? In this team, there are the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, who also deal with fatigue. They play the IPL, international matches, including Test matches. Have never heard of players taking a break due to this reason,” said Akmal.

Recently, the selectors left Ishan Kishan out for the ongoing three-T20I series against Afghanistan and the first two Tests of the upcoming five-match series versus England, leading to speculation that he may have been dropped on disciplinary grounds.

However, India head coach Rahul Dravid dismissed such claims before revealing that the left-hander was unavailable for selection.

Akmal also backed the selection committee’s decision to keep Kishan away from the Indian squad.

“You are saving yourself for two months of IPL. Playing in the Indian team is a big thing and this excuse is beyond my understanding. I think the selection committee has done a good job by keeping Ishan Kishan away from this team. Let him rest for now and then playing domestic cricket. This should be a message to players that they cannot ask for rest whenever they want due to mental fatigue. This is national duty, you cannot ask for rest just like that,” he remarked.