In a significant development for Indian domestic cricket, rising star wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan is set to make a notable return to the domestic circuit after a year-long hiatus. Following his decision to opt out of the Ranji Trophy last year, the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) has included Kishan in its list of 25 pre-season probables for the upcoming season. This move comes after Kishan faced criticism and a temporary sidelining by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Cricbuzz has learnt that the 26-year-old Ishan Kishan has shown his willingness to participate in the upcoming domestic season and has notified the JSCA of his availability. Reports indicate that Kishan might be considered for a leadership role within the team, although specific details remain under wraps for now.
Kishan’s decision to return to domestic cricket reportedly comes after consultations with several well-wishers and national selectors who warned him of potential missed international opportunities during the peak of his career if he remained absent from domestic matches. Between July 2021 and November 2023, Kishan played in two Test matches, 27 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 32 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), notching up an impressive double century in ODIs and securing a place in India’s 50-over World Cup squad last year.
However, Kishan’s journey took an unexpected turn when he refused to represent his state team last season, despite clear instructions from the national selectors and the BCCI. Instead of participating in the Ranji Trophy, he chose to focus solely on the Indian Premier League (IPL) and continued his training at an academy in Baroda. His refusal to play for Jharkhand led to his exclusion from the national team, with his last appearance for India being in November 2023. Kishan’s frustration over being overlooked for international matches, in favor of KL Rahul—a part-time wicketkeeper—was cited as a principal reason for his departure.
Kishan’s absence from the ongoing Sri Lanka tour has been glaring. His decision to skip domestic matches last season resulted in his exclusion, while other sidelined players like Shreyas Iyer found opportunities after proving themselves in domestic cricket.
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As the domestic season commences with the Duleep Trophy first-class red-ball competition on September 5 in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, it remains uncertain whether selectors will consider Kishan for this four-team tournament. His previous refusal to play for Jharkhand could weigh against him in the selection process. Nonetheless, his potential return to form in domestic matches could reopen doors for his re-entry into the national team.
Alongside Kishan’s expected return, the JSCA has announced the appointment of SS Rao as the coach for the upcoming season. Rao, aged 41, brings considerable experience to the role, having played 52 first-class games. He succeeds Debasis Mohanty, who served as the coach last season. Rao’s appointment is reported to have been strongly recommended by the JSCA’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC).
Ishan Kishan’s comeback to domestic cricket marks a pivotal moment not just for him, but for the broader landscape of Indian cricket. As he prepares to don the Jharkhand jersey once again, the cricketing community will keenly watch how his performance unfolds and whether it will restore him to the national spotlight. His journey serves as a reminder of the rigorous demands and fluctuating fortunes within the cricketing sphere, especially for players striving to establish and maintain their status in the national team.
In summary, Ishan Kishan’s return to domestic cricket after his controversial absence marks a significant turn of events. His potential leadership role with Jharkhand, along with the renewed guidance under coach SS Rao, could well be the catalyst he needs to revitalize his career. As the domestic season nears, stakeholders and fans alike will be keenly observing how these developments play out and impact Kishan’s future in Indian cricket.