Ishan Kishan was once hailed as Indian cricket’s next big star, alongside Shubman Gill, especially after his stunning double-century against Bangladesh in December 2022. This performance secured him a spot on India’s white-ball team, but with Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma in the lineup, Kishan couldn’t consistently break into the playing XI.
Nevertheless, he remained a crucial squad member, even stepping up in the first two matches of the 2023 ODI World Cup when Gill was unavailable. However, Ishan Kishan’s trajectory took an unexpected turn. Following the World Cup, he travelled with the team to South Africa, but during the series, he withdrew, citing mental health concerns.
Ishan Kishan then opted out of the 2024 Ranji Trophy season, choosing instead to train in Baroda with Hardik Pandya, the captain of his IPL team, Mumbai Indians. This decision reportedly frustrated BCCI officials and ultimately led to the loss of his BCCI contract and his absence from the national team roster.
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Recently, Ishan Kishan was named in the India A squad for an upcoming series against Australia. This represents a potential comeback for the young Patna-born cricketer, who is determined to reestablish himself. He knows, however, that the competition is fierce, with numerous players vying for the same spot.
Ishan Kishan opened up about the negativity on social media and the hurdles that Hardik Pandya has dealt 🗣️#HardikPandya #IshanKishan #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/cbPErVYSFU
— OneCricket (@OneCricketApp) October 30, 2024
Instead of feeling pressured, Kishan sees this as a “healthy competition” and an opportunity to enjoy the challenge. “Everyone wants to play for India, and I’m genuinely happy for those who are getting the chance,” Kishan told *The Times of India.* “There’s so much healthy competition that you start enjoying it rather than seeing it as added pressure.”
Reflecting on his time in Baroda, the 26-year-old shared that it served as a “reality check” on his passion for the game. Training with a disciplined schedule and regaining a sense of purpose reminded him of his childhood excitement for cricket.
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“It felt like starting over, like when I’d look forward to Sunday matches as a kid,” he said. The month in Baroda involved structured routines, including yoga and meditation, and the presence of his parents provided emotional support. “I wasn’t in a negative zone. I was grounded and in a very healthy space, training twice a day,” Kishan added, highlighting how the experience helped him recharge and focus on his future in cricket.
