Ishan Kishan’s absence saga is getting murkier with each passing day. Team India head coach Rahul Dravid once again put the ball in the wicket-keeper’s court, saying Ishan hasn’t made himself available and is not playing cricket. However, there is something he is hiding as there are confirmed reports of unreal between Kishan and the team management.
He has skipped five consecutive Ranji Trophy games for Jharkhand, and instead, he is practising with Hardik and Krunal at Kiran More Academy in Baroda.
The Jharkhand Cricket Association has no information about him. Former India player Aakash Chopra has reacted to the ongoing issues with Ishan.
“Rahul Dravid said that Ishan has to make himself available and play some games before getting selected for the Indian team. He also said that when a player doesn’t tell us that he is ready, how can he be considered for selection. Dravid is right on his part.
“It’s been a long time since Ishan took a break due to mental fatigue and he has no chance to play for India until he follows the protocol. Ishan will not be considered even if Srikar Bharat fails or Dhruv Jurel gets a game,” Aakash Chopra said.
Aakash also urged the fans to not compare Ishan Kishan with Virat Kohli.
“Many will say that when Virat Kohli is allowed to return without playing a domestic match, then why Ishan Kishan should compete in one. Hello, there is no comparison between the two. Virat is Virat and he doesn’t need to prove anything. On the other hand, Ishan has a lot at stake,” he added.
Meanwhile, Virat has made himself unavailable for the third and fourth Tests, ending his chance of playing against England. The selectors would pick a team for the final three Tests, and there is no possibility of Virat coming back for the fifth contest as the selection committee will not make any changes to the already-announced unit.
Ishan, on the other hand, will return to the field in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He is one of the key players for Mumbai Indians.