Ranji Trophy 2024: Ishan Kishan Makes Himself Unavailable- Reports

Bihar-born Wicket-keeper batsman Ishan Kishan is currently facing a major dilemma regarding his future with the Indian National team. He has been out of action since November 2023 when the Men in Blue hosted Australia for a 5-match T20I series at home right after the Cricket World Cup final.

Ishan Kishan had traveled with the Indian team to South Africa for the month-long tour where they played 3 T20Is-ODIs and the series was concluded with a 2-match Test series. While most of the senior players missed the white ball leg of the tour, a full-capacity team was lined up for the Tests.

In Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya’s absence, India first drew the T20 series by 1-1 before KL Rahul captained the team towards only their 2nd ODI series win at the Rainbow Nation. During the Test series, India responded with a 7-wicket win in the 2nd Test after losing the 1st Test by an innings and 32 runs at Centurion.

While India had a decent tour to South Africa there were quite a few behind-the-scenes things that we missed. Among them was the case of Ishan Kishan who himself had asked the Indian management to allow him a break to let himself have a breather and also improve his mental state which happened to deteriorate after he was constantly benched in 2023.

For a fact, Ishan Kishan despite putting up decent performances has always found himself down in the pecking order to KL Rahul and now Jitesh Sharma. In comparison to Rahul, Kishan is much more proficient in terms of glovework behind the stumps, something India will desperately need when they welcome England for a 5-match Test series from January 25.

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While Kishan was granted a leave and got withdrawn from the South Africa series, he reportedly flew to Dubai for his brother’s birthday party, and the BCCI was left infuriated, questioning his integrity and discipline. This particular subject caught further heat when Ishan was omitted from the Afghanistan series.

And now reports have emerged about Ishan Kishan not making himself available for the ongoing edition of the Ranji Trophy where he plays for Jharkhand. Debashish Chakraborty who is the secretary of JSCA stated, “No, Ishan Kishan has not contacted or told us anything about his availability. Whenever he tells us, he will walk into the playing XI.

Amid Disciplinary Row Over Ishan Kishan, Head Coach Dravid Provides Clarity

Ahead of the Test series against the Three Lions, Rahul Dravid himself confirmed that there are no disciplinary issues against Ishan Kishan and that he was not selected because he wanted a break. Dravid shed light on his domestic availability, claiming that it’s up to him.

“Absolutely no disciplinary issue. Ishan Kishan was not available for selection. Ishan requested 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 said.

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