The mystery surrounding Ishan Kishan deepened as the talented wicket-keeper-batsman found himself excluded from the Indian squad for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan. This surprising development comes after Kishan’s last appearance for India during the T20I series against Australia at home, immediately following the 2023 ODI World Cup.
While initial speculation suggested that Kishan might have made himself unavailable for selection, recent reports indicate that he was indeed available but was dropped from the squad. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel opted for Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson as the two wicket-keepers for the Afghanistan series.
According to sources cited in the Indian Express, a lack of trust could be a key reason behind Kishan’s omission. It is reported that Kishan had expressed frustration over not getting consistent opportunities in the playing XI despite performing well whenever he got the chance in white-ball cricket for India.
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Additionally, Kishan had reportedly sought a break from the team management on multiple occasions after the World Cup, but his requests were not granted. The Indian Express report suggests that Kishan initially requested a break from the T20I series against Australia, which began shortly after the conclusion of the 2023 ODI World Cup.
However, his plea was rejected at that time. Although Kishan was rested for the final two matches of the series, he stayed with the squad. Later, he sought a break from the white-ball leg of India’s tour of South Africa, but his request was turned down again.
Feel for Ishan Kishan that he’s being targeted for mental rejuvenation.
Indians players hardly speak on mental fatigue, but when they do people tend to not understand them.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 10, 2024
The breaking point for Kishan came when he realized that KL Rahul was likely to be preferred as India’s wicket-keeper in the Tests against South Africa. At this juncture, he asked the team management to send him home, citing mental fatigue and a desire to spend time with his family. Despite seeking rest due to mental fatigue, Kishan was later seen partying in Dubai, raising eyebrows about the consistency of his claims.
However, those close to Kishan countered this narrative, emphasizing that it should not matter where the player spends his break or how he chooses to unwind. Recent visuals of Kishan practicing in Vadodara have further contradicted claims of fitness or mental health issues.
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While KL Rahul has emerged as the preferred wicket-keeper for India in Tests, Kishan’s non-selection in the Afghanistan series raises questions about potential disciplinary reasons. His future participation in the upcoming Test series against England remains uncertain, as the team management evaluates its options in home conditions.
