Ishan Kishan's Cricket Comeback: What Could It Mean For His International Career?

Ishan Kishan is aiming to revive his international career (X)Ishan Kishan is aiming to revive his international career (X)

"Form is temporary, but class is permanent" - the age-old saying rings true for Ishan Kishan, one of India's most promising wicketkeeper-batters. Having fallen out of favour post the ODI World Cup 2023, Kishan's career trajectory has been anything but smooth.

Once the trusted 12th man for India, Kishan's fortunes saw a sharp dip as personal and performance-related challenges cropped up. However, his recent resurgence has cricket fans buzzing with the prospect of a potential comeback that could turn the tide for the youngster.

The Curious Case of Ishan Kishan

In the lead-up to the 2023 ODI World Cup, Ishan Kishan was heavily relied upon by the Indian team management. His aggressive style with the bat and ability to provide a left-handed option in the middle order made him a valuable asset.

However, Kishan requested a break from the game following the World Cup. Unfortunately, this move led to unforeseen consequences—he was dropped from all formats and even omitted from the BCCI's central contracts list.

Adding fuel to the fire, Kishan chose not to play in the Ranji Trophy before IPL 2024 despite being advised to do so by the BCCI. This decision left selectors with little choice but to overlook him for national selection. For a talent like Kishan, the writing seemed to be on the wall - a young star at the crossroads of his career.

However, the tide began to shift when Kishan returned to the domestic circuit, slamming a century for Jharkhand in the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament. His performance revived hopes of a revival, and his selection for India D in the Duleep Trophy 2024 seemed the perfect opportunity to make his case.

Unfortunately, fate had other plans - an untimely groin injury forced him to withdraw from the tournament's first round, which again left his future hanging by a thread.

Ishan Kishan's Return To The Duleep Trophy

Despite his setback, Kishan's luck took a positive turn when fans and selectors clamoured for his return. Much to everyone's surprise, the left-hander was included in India C's playing XI for the second round of the Duleep Trophy 2024 on Thursday. This decision has marked his official comeback and set the stage for a potential turning point in his career.

The road ahead is by no means easy. Kishan currently finds himself behind a formidable list of wicketkeepers in the pecking order - Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, and Sanju Samson.

Pant, who is now set to reclaim his spot in Tests, is a lock as India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batter across formats. KL Rahul holds the reins in white-ball cricket, while Jurel and Samson have had their share of opportunities in recent months.

However, if there's a silver lining for Kishan, it's that the competition is not invincible. Despite his potential, Jurel has struggled with the bat, while Samson's inconsistencies have been well-documented. The door, therefore, is not completely shut for Kishan, and he can seize his moment.

What Could Kishan’s Comeback Mean For His Future?

A standout performance in the Duleep Trophy could propel him back onto the selectors' radar, giving him the much-needed momentum to reestablish himself as a contender for the Indian team.

His aggressive batting style, along with his experience as a wicketkeeper, makes him a valuable asset. If Kishan manages to perform consistently in the Duleep Trophy, it could be the first domino to fall in his favour, pushing him higher in the pecking order and bringing him back into the fold of Indian cricket.

In cricket, where opportunities are fleeting, Kishan must strike while the iron is hot. With Pant and Rahul dominating the wicketkeeping roles and Jurel and Samson battling for a backup spot, Kishan's pathway back to the Indian team is fraught with challenges. 

Yet, it's not without hope. His ability to perform under pressure and his tendency to deliver in key moments make him a wildcard for future selection. Ishan Kishan's story is far from over. While the young wicketkeeper-batter may have faced setbacks, his comeback shows that he still has plenty to offer.

A strong performance in the Duleep Trophy 2024 could be the spark that reignites his international career and will enable him to remind everyone of the talent that once made him an indispensable part of the Indian setup.