It seems like Ishan Kishan’s stint with the Indian team might be taking a pause for now. According to reports, the BCCI selectors seem to have made the decision to explore other options, signaling a potential shift away from the wicketkeeper-batsman.
Ishan Kishan’s absence was evident in the newly revealed Indian lineup for the forthcoming T20I series against Afghanistan. Scheduled from January 11 to 17, the series sees the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the T20I format after a layoff of more than a year.
Kishan, who was part of the South Africa tour, spent his time on the bench during the T20I series and eventually resigned from the two-Test series owing to “personal reasons.” His last outing for India came in the T20I series against Australia in November-December.
While he has been with the Indian team in recent years, Kishan claimed mental health problems when pulling out of the Test series against South Africa. It’s worth mentioning that KL Rahul’s status as the primary wicketkeeper for the Test matches could have played a factor in Kishan’s choice to take a vacation.
According to a PTI report, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel has already determined that they will be “looking beyond Ishan.”
As per insider information from someone connected to the BCCI, it seems the selectors are leaning towards not including the Jharkhand batsman in the T20 format, preferring to concentrate on other players. This statement is unexpected, especially considering Kishan’s emerging role in India’s middle order. This was evident from his two impressive half-centuries in the T20I series against Australia, although he was subsequently given a rest for Jitesh Sharma.
“Ishan wasn’t happy that he was travelling without much game time. He is on a break right now and is vacationing. In any case, selectors are in all likelihood looking beyond Kishan. It will be interesting if he is picked for the England Test series where KS Bharat will be back behind the stumps,” the BCCI source told PTI.
Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson are set to take on the role of wicket-keeper for the Afghanistan T20Is, with selectors also considering KL Rahul as an option. Rishabh Pant is likely to make a comeback during the IPL 2024, aiming to strengthen India’s prospects.
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