India wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan, who has been out of the national team since December 2023, has been named among the 61 players for the upcoming 2024 Duleep Trophy. This decision by the BCCI‘s selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has fueled speculation about Kishan’s potential return to the Indian squad. The domestic red-ball tournament, which will take place from September 5 to 24 across Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, and M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, is likely to play a crucial role in the selection of the Indian Test team for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh.
However, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has made it clear that Kishan’s return to the national team is contingent on him adhering to the board’s rules. “He will have to follow the rules. He will have to play domestic cricket,” Shah said, emphasizing the importance of Kishan’s participation in the domestic circuit to secure his spot in the Indian squad.
A Rocky Road to Redemption
Ishan Kishan has not represented India since he took a mental health break before the Test series in South Africa in December 2023. His absence from domestic cricket subsequently led to his exclusion from BCCI’s central contract list in February 2024. The board had mandated that all Indian players must be available for the domestic season when not on national duty, a directive Kishan did not initially comply with.
Despite his absence from domestic cricket, Kishan did return to action in the IPL 2024, where he played for Mumbai Indians. However, he was overlooked for selection in the T20 World Cup and the subsequent white-ball series India played. Reports suggest that Kishan was counseled by the BCCI, after which he made himself available for the upcoming domestic season. This led to the selectors placing their trust in him once again by including him in the Duleep Trophy squad.
Back in Action
Kishan is already making headlines with his performance in the ongoing Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament, a pre-season red-ball competition where he is leading the Jharkhand Cricket Association. On Friday, during Jharkhand’s opening match against Madhya Pradesh, Kishan scored an impressive 86-ball century, finishing with 114 runs. His explosive innings included nine sixes, showcasing his aggressive batting style. This knock is expected to bolster his chances of a Test recall ahead of the Bangladesh series.
The Road Ahead
The Duleep Trophy is set to be a significant test for Kishan as he eyes a return to the Indian squad. His performance in this tournament will be closely monitored by the selectors, as it will likely influence their decisions for the upcoming Test series.
The BCCI’s message is clear: for Ishan Kishan to don the Indian jersey again, he must commit to the domestic circuit and prove his mettle on the field. As the cricketing world watches, all eyes will be on Kishan as he embarks on this crucial phase of his career.
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