India secured a crucial victory against England in the second Test, leveling the series at 1-1. The focus now shifts to the upcoming matches, and all eyes are on the announcement of the Indian squad for the remaining three Tests. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to reveal the squad shortly, with key players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja likely to return.
One significant area of concern has been the wicketkeeping position, especially with KS Bharat’s underwhelming performance in the first two matches. Bharat has struggled to make an impact, scoring 92 runs in four innings without registering a fifty in his 12-Test career. With Rishabh Pant still on the road to recovery, attention has turned to Ishan Kishan as a potential wicketkeeping option.
Ishan Kishan made his Test debut against West Indies in July 2023 and showcased his batting prowess in the two matches he played. However, he withdrew from consideration for the red-ball team during the recent South Africa tour, citing the need for a break. The 25-year-old last participated in competitive cricket during a T20I series against Australia in November 2023.
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Despite being part of the discussion for a return to the national team, Ishan has not featured in any of Jharkhand’s five Ranji Trophy matches this year. During a post-match press conference in Visakhapatnam, head coach Rahul Dravid addressed questions about Ishan Kishan’s potential return.
Rahul Dravid emphasized that the decision rests with Ishan, who needs to play some cricket before the management considers him for the national team. Dravid expressed the team’s willingness to give Ishan the time he needs and mentioned ongoing communication with the player.
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“There’s a way back for everyone,” stated Rahul Dravid. “We don’t rule out anybody for anything. Ishan requested a break, and we were happy to give him a break. Whenever he is ready, he needs to play some cricket and come back. The choice is his. We aren’t forcing him to do anything. We’re in touch with him, but he’s not yet started playing, so it’s not something we can consider [having him back]. He decides when he wants to be ready.”
As the BCCI prepares to unveil the squad for the upcoming Tests, the wicketkeeping choice remains a key talking point, with Ishan Kishan’s potential return adding an interesting dimension to the selection considerations.
