Ishan Kishan's Absence In Ranji Trophy Casts Doubts Over His Availability For ENG Tests
Ishan Kishan hasn't turned up for Ranji Trophy 2024 [X.com]
Ishan Kishan's situation has taken a new twist as the wicketkeeper-batter, who initially ruled himself out for the South Africa series, is yet to make himself available for the ongoing Ranji Trophy.
Opting for a break due to mental fatigue, Ishan cited his continuous involvement in tours to the West Indies, the Asia Cup, the ODI World Cup, the T20I series against Australia, and the recently concluded South Africa Tests.
Team India head coach Rahul Dravid recently clarified that Ishan Kishan had not been dropped for disciplinary reasons but had voluntarily made himself unavailable for selection.
Having been out of action for over a month, Ishan's return to the squad for the England Test series appears doubtful based on Dravid's recent remarks.
According to PTI, Ishan, who hasn't played cricket recently, is yet to make himself available for selection for his state team, Jharkhand.
However, if he decides to return, the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) secretary, Debasish Chakraborty, stated that Ishan would be welcomed into 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," JSCA's Debasish Chakraborty told PTI.
Jharkhand's first match against Saurashtra concluded in a draw and they are scheduled to play their next game against Maharashtra in Pune today (Friday, January 12).
The young wicketkeeper-batter must expedite his return as the competition for the keeper's spot in the Indian team remains fierce. Ishan currently finds himself at a lower standing in the hierarchy for wicketkeeping position across formats.
With KL Rahul excelling as a keeper-batter, Sanju Samson finding his mojo back in the ODI format, and Jitesh Sharma emerging as a contender in the T20I scene, Kishan's comeback prospects seem somewhat dim.
In the first T20I against Afghanistan in Mohali, Jitesh played a vital cameo, scoring 31 in 20 balls to help his team chase down the target. His impressive performance positions him as a leading candidate for the wicketkeeper's role in the upcoming T20 World Cup, potentially leading to Ishan's exclusion.
 "Vaibhav Tripathi")
