The BCCI selectors are left in the dark about the return plans of keeper-batter Ishan Kishan as they plan for the Team India squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. Kishan had flown back to India from South Africa tour after requesting a break from cricket.
Since then, Kishan has not played any cricket including any of the four Ranji Trophy matches for Jharkhand. This has put Ishan Kishan’s selection in Team India for the T20 World Cup 2024 in danger.
India is playing five Tests against England currently and with no limited-overs matches slotted before the IPL 2024, it is unlikely that Kishan will be considered for selection.
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Head coach Rahul Dravid had said earlier this month that he would have to play domestic cricket once he’s ready to resume the game.
Before his break, Kishan played in the Asia Cup and then two matches in the World Cup before Shubman Gill’s recovery from dengue meant, the Jharkhand cricketer warmed the bench for the rest of the tournament.
He then played the first three T20Is against Australia at home, hitting two half-centuries, but was again benched for the South Africa T20Is, with Jitesh Sharma being preferred over him. He was part of the Test squad too, but opted to take a break then.
He had reportedly been practicing with Hardik Pandya in Vadodara, and there was speculation that he may relocate to the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore once he felt he was in the appropriate frame of mind.
It is anticipated that not playing domestic cricket may harm his prospects of competing in the T20 World Cup in June. The upcoming IPL 2024 will be used to choose players for the ICC event, although the Ajit Agarkar-led committee has reportedly more or less decided on Jitesh or Sanju Samson.
The BCCI selectors are reportedly unhappy with Kishan’s contentious absence from domestic cricket as well, despite team management’s desire for him to play in the Ranji Trophy.
However, there is also a belief in certain quarters that Kishan should be handled with care and sympathy. There is no need to put him under pressure by continuous scrutiny and asking him when he could be ready to go.
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“This is a very delicate situation. He perhaps needs a long break. Support him and allow him the freedom to deal with such circumstances,” someone in the know of things told The Telegraph.
Recently Kishan posted a video on his social media in which he was seen doing yoga and working out in the gym with his trainer.
Another school of thought holds that Kishan has the blessings of the powers that be in Indian cricket and has been given the freedom to handle his personal matters on his own.
Notably, Kishan holds a Grade C contract with the BCCI with an annual retainership of Rs 3 crore and there is no doubt that he has only harmed his chances for T20 World Cup 2024 selection with his choice of not communicating with the BCCI.
