Ishan Kishan continues to ignore Rahul Dravid’s advice, misses 5th straight Ranji Trophy match

The saga surrounding Ishan Kishan is getting more baffling with each passing day. His absence from high-profile action for more than a month has left many perplexed. The wicketkeeper-batsman has not played a competitive game since Guwahati T20I against Australia on 28 November.

He was a part of the T20I and Test squads for the tour of South Africa but did not play any games. Just before the start of the Test series, he pulled out of the assignment, citing personal reasons. It was the beginning of the saga that is leaving the fans more confused with each passing day.

While Ishan Kishan was expected to return to action in the T20I series against Afghanistan, the selectors decided otherwise. Many also expected him to finally make a comeback in the ongoing Test series against England but the national selection panel once again snubbed him.

Amidst all these, reports stated that the selectors were not happy with Ishan Kishan’s attitude. The Jharkhand star was seen partying in Dubai and also appeared on a popular television quiz show after taking the break. Later, India head coach Rahul Dravid rubbished the reports while also saying that the left-handed batsman will have to play domestic cricket first to earn a recall from the national team.

“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. I don’t think he has made himself available as yet. When he is available, he will play domestic cricket and make himself available for selection,” Dravid had said.

Ishan Kishan not playing domestic cricket either:

After Dravid’s comments, it was expected that Ishan Kishan would make a swift return to the domestic circuit. However, he has yet to play a single game in the domestic circuit this season. On Friday (February 2), he missed missed his 5th straight Ranji Trophy game.

News agency PTI had contacted the Jharkhand state association about the player but the board themselves seemed clueless on the matter as one of their officials said: “No, Ishan hasn’t contacted us or told us anything about his availability. Whenever he tells us, he will walk into the playing XI.”

The news agency also quoted a BCCI office-bearer as saying that the wicketkeeper should not have skipped the South Africa Tests. While he did not reveal the reason behind his comments, it made things pretty clear as far as the relationship between the player and the Indian team management is concerned.

“He could have perhaps waited and stayed back for Test series. In Indian cricket, if you leave your seat at your own will, you might not get it back. There are that many talents,” the official said.

“And no coach or captain will tell you this on face but when you go and tell them that I am going since I am not playing, a subtle ego works. Basically, you are questioning the team management’s call,” he added.

Ishan Kishan is unlikely to return to action for Team India in the ongoing Test series against England. He is expected to return to high-profile cricket in March when IPL 2024 is expected to begin.