Ishan Kishan not available to play Ranji Trophy, despite Rahul Dravid’s clear instruction

Indian wicketkeeper cum batsman Ishan Kishan is currently facing a major dilemma about his future with the Indian National team. He has not played competitive cricket since the T20I series against Australia at home immediately after India’s heartbreaking defeat against Australia during the ODI World Cup 2023 in November at home.

Ishan Kishan travelled with the Indian team to South Africa to play 3 T20Is-ODIs and the series was concluded with a 2-match Test series. While most of the senior players missed the white ball series against South Africa, a full-capacity team was lined up for the Tests.

Ishan cited mental fatigue after being actively involved in the West Indies tour, Asia Cup, ODI World Cup 2023, T20I series against Australia and South Africa tour last year, during which, Ishan decided to take a break and returned home.

Ishan Kishan ordered to play Ranji Trophy for India comeback as BCCI doesn’t want Rahul as Keeper in Tests

Subsequently, he was not selected for the India vs Afghanistan T20I series. However, India coach Rahul Dravid has unequivocally supported Ishan’s inclusion in the Test squad for the upcoming England series, dismissing rumours of disciplinary issues.

Dravid encouraged Kishan to participate in a Ranji game before the Tests against England, but it appears that Ishan is currently unavailable for domestic matches.

No Communication About Ranji’s Participation from Ishan Kishan

According to PTI, Ishan Kishan has not communicated his availability to play for his state team, Jharkhand. The JSCA secretary, Debasish Chakraborty, stated that Ishan has not contacted them regarding his participation, and when he wants he will be included in the playing XI.

“No, Ishan hasn’t contacted or told us anything about his availability. Whenever he tells us, he will walk into the playing XI,” Debasish Chakraborty told PTI.

“No, Absolutely not (no disciplinary action). Ishan Kishan was not available for selection. Ishan Kishan requested a break in South Africa, which we agreed to support, and recognise. He has not yet made himself available for selection. I am sure when he is available, he will play domestic cricket and make himself available for selection,” Coach Dravid had said during the pre-match press conference ahead of the first IND vs AFG T20I on January 11 (Thursday).

Ishan Kishan has been inactive in the game for the past month, which might have been the reason prompting the suggestion from Rahul Dravid.

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