India's head coach, Rahul Dravid, has reiterated his stance on the absence of Ishan Kishan, who has been notably absent from the Indian cricket scene since taking a hiatus due to mental fatigue during the South Africa tour. Despite not featuring in any Ranji Trophy games for Jharkhand and missing five consecutive matches, there is a lack of clarity regarding his current whereabouts.
After KS Bharat struggled with the bat and with Dhruv Jurel being relatively new to the team, Dravid was questioned about Ishan's potential inclusion following India's victory by 106 runs in the second Test.
Dravid's response was clear, stating, "Ishan Kishan needs to start playing to be considered for selection. We are in touch with him." This implies that active participation in cricket matches is essential for Kishan to be in contention for national selection.
Reports suggest that the team management is displeased with Kishan, and one official reportedly mentioned that Ishan might be sidelined from playing for India for at least a year. Previous requests for breaks were reportedly turned down, and even when approved, the team management expressed dissatisfaction with his New Year celebrations alongside MS Dhoni. Additionally, his participation in a quiz show raised eyebrows.
Dravid had previously issued similar statements before the Test series against England, but Kishan did not adhere to them. Given Dravid's recent comments and Kishan's prolonged absence from cricket activities, the chances of his return to the national team seem slim.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding his international career, Ishan Kishan is expected to participate in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Mumbai Indians in 2024. The left-handed batsman has been a vital contributor to the five-time champions' success in the tournament, and his presence in the IPL remains unaffected by his current situation with the national team.
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