While the southpaw played the IPL 2024 season, he skipped the last match of the previous Ranji season despite instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to participate in domestic cricket.
Ishan Kishan, who has been a prominent figure in limited-overs formats for India, recently found himself sidelined from the national team.
Ahead of the South African Test series, Kishan was left out of the playing XI, with KL Rahul taking over the wicket-keeping duties. In response, Kishan requested a break from the team, a decision that has now seemingly backfired.
His absence from the domestic circuit has now led to his exclusion from the 40-member Jharkhand Ranji Trophy squad, a significant setback for the young cricketer.
Kishan's performance in the IPL was inconsistent, and despite a meeting with BCCI secretary Jay Shah and his IPL captain Hardik Pandya, he did not align with the BCCI's directive to focus on domestic cricket.
Indian coach Rahul Dravid and Shah have emphasized the importance of playing in domestic matches for players not currently in the national team, advice Kishan did not follow.
As a result, Kishan's name was notably missing from the Jharkhand squad list, reflecting the BCCI's stance on prioritizing domestic cricket participation. Additionally, Kishan was not selected for the Indian squad for the tour of Zimbabwe, further highlighting his current struggles.
Without a BCCI contract and now out of the domestic squad, Kishan faces the challenge of rebuilding his career.
The competition for the wicketkeeper-batsman spot in the Indian team is intense, with players like KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel, and a fit-again Rishabh Pant all in contention.
Kishan's exclusion from the Jharkhand squad underscores the importance of adhering to BCCI directives and maintaining form through domestic cricket. With Rishabh Pant firmly established in the national team, Kishan will need to work hard to regain his place and prove his value.
For now, Kishan's immediate focus will likely be on finding a way back into domestic cricket and showcasing his skills to the selectors.
His journey ahead will require resilience and determination as he aims to reclaim his standing in Indian cricket.