Indian wicket-keeper batsman Ishan Kishan has been named among the 61 players selected for the upcoming first round of the 2024 Duleep Trophy, which will be held between September 5 and 24 in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, and the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. This inclusion by the BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has sparked discussions about Ishan’s possible return to the Indian team, especially considering that the domestic red-ball tournament plays a crucial role in the selection process of the Indian Test team ahead of the two-match home series against Bangladesh.
Ishan’s return to the domestic circuit marks a significant step in his career, especially after his absence from the Indian team since December 2023. The wicket-keeper had taken a mental health break ahead of the Test series in South Africa and had not featured in the national setup since then. His absence was further compounded when he was omitted from the BCCI’s central contract list in February 2024. This exclusion was reportedly due to his failure to comply with the BCCI mandate, which required all Indian players to be available for the domestic season when not on national duty.
In a recent discussion, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah was asked about the process of Ishan Kishan’s reintegration into the Indian team. Shah emphasised former head coach Rahul Dravid’s advice, urging Kishan to focus on the upcoming Duleep Trophy, which marks the beginning of the new domestic season.
“He will have to follow the rules. He will have to play local cricket,” Shah said.
Despite his absence from international cricket, Ishan made a notable appearance in the IPL 2024, playing for Mumbai Indians. However, he was not considered for selection in the T20 World Cup or any of the subsequent white-ball series that India played after the tournament. Amid growing concerns over his future, Ishan was reported to have received counselling from the BCCI, which appeared to have influenced his decision to take part in the upcoming domestic season. The selectors, recognising his talent and potential, named him for the Duleep Trophy, offering him a way back into the Indian team for the Bangladesh series.
As part of his preparations, Ishan is currently participating in the Buchi Babu Invitation Tournament, a pre-season domestic red-ball competition in which he is leading the Jharkhand Cricket Association team. His performance in this tournament has been impressive, particularly during Jharkhand’s opening match against Madhya Pradesh. On the second day of the match, Ishan showed his prowess by scoring an 86-ball century, eventually posting a score of 114. His innings was instrumental in helping Jharkhand overcome Madhya Pradesh’s first-innings total of 225. Notably, Ishan hit his century with consecutive sixes, showcasing his aggressive batting style. This innings marked his return to red-ball cricket, his first since making his international debut for India during the tour of the West Indies in July 2023.
Throughout his career, Ishan has shown a knack for hard hitting, hitting nine sixes in just 39 balls. His performance at the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament not only underlines his readiness for the upcoming Duleep Trophy but also indicates his intent to regain a place in the Indian Test team. With the domestic season in full swing, all eyes will be on Ishan Kishan as he strives to make a successful return to the national team and re-establish himself as a key player in Indian cricket.
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