Ishan Kishan Trains in Baroda, But Return to Competitive Cricket Remains Uncertain

Ishan Kishan's prolonged absence from competitive cricket has sparked debate about his commitment, but recent developments offer a glimpse into his activities. The 25-year-old has been training at the Kiran More Academy in Baroda, honing his skills alongside the Pandya brothers. However, there's no indication of when he'll return to action, fueling speculation about his future.

Missed Opportunities and Uncertain BCCI Consideration

While the sight of Ishan Kishan training at the Kiran More Academy in Baroda offers a flicker of hope for his cricketing future, the 25-year-old wicket keeper-batsman's prolonged absence from competitive action continues to raise eyebrows. His last game came in November 2023, and despite persistent calls from national coach Rahul Dravid to participate in matches, Kishan has opted out of both the South Africa series and the ongoing Ranji Trophy. 

This raises crucial questions about his commitment, readiness, and potential impact on his future with the Indian team. Notably, his absence could jeopardize his Grade C BCCI contract, worth a significant Rs 1 crore annually. Moreover, it likely cost him a valuable opportunity to stake his claim in the ongoing Test series against England, especially with KS Bharat's inconsistent performances. 

However, Coach Dravid strikes a conciliatory tone, emphasizing personal choice and readiness: "He needs to play some cricket and come back. The choice is his...He decides when he wants to be ready." This suggests that the BCCI might not actively pursue Kishan until he demonstrates his own initiative and desire to return to the competitive scene.

Focus Shifts to Upcoming IPL and Team Selection

With Kishan's return uncertain, the focus now shifts to the upcoming IPL season (March-May) and the Indian team selection for the remaining Tests against England. Virat Kohli's confirmed absence due to a family emergency adds another layer of intrigue to the selection process.

While Kishan's training suggests his commitment to the game, his reasons for staying away from competitive cricket remain unclear. This ambiguity leaves questions unanswered and fuels speculation about his future with the Indian team. Will he return in time for the IPL? Will his absence affect his BCCI contract? Only time will tell.

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