Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan has been under the spotlight for a while now. This comes after he opted for a break due to personal reasons and then did not play in the domestic circuit, which led to the BCCI removing him from the central contract list.
However, according to a report by Cricbuzz, it is learnt that Ishan Kishan is all set to make a comeback in the upcoming domestic season. The wicketkeeper-batsman has been included among the 25 pre-season probables by the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA).
Reports claimed that Ishan Kishan has agreed to play for Jharkhand in the upcoming domestic season. The wicketkeeper-batsman could also be considered to captain the team, and has told the Jharkhand State Cricket Association that he will play the entire domestic season.
The report also claims that some supporters and the selectors of the Indian team spoke to Ishan Kishan and advised him on the matter. They are learnt to have categorically told the wicketkeeper-batsman that he might miss out on international opportunities during the prime of his career.
The report also added that once Ishan Kishan returns to the domestic circuit, he will be considered for the national team. Shreyas Iyer, who along with Kishan, was released from central contracts, also returned through the ongoing ODI series against the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team.
The domestic season in India begins with the red-ball first-class competition Duleep Trophy on September 5. But Ishan Kishan is unlikely to be selected for the tournament as he previously refused to play for the state last season.
Last year, Ishan Kishan was one of the main players for the Indian team in all three formats of the game. The wicketkeeper-batsman performed consistently for the team and in the absence of Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan was considered the first-choice wicketkeeper for the team.
Ishan Kishan, who played in the 2023 ICC World Cup, opted out of the Test series against South Africa, citing mental fatigue, and was then never considered for selection. He was even asked by the team management to play domestic cricket, but he refused to play, prompting the BCCI to remove the wicketkeeper-batsman from central contracts.
The last time we saw Ishan Kishan in action was during the Indian Premier League. He didn’t have the kind of season he would have wished for with Mumbai Indians. But now that he is all set to return to the domestic league, it won’t be a surprise if he returns to the team.
Jharkhand appoint SS Rao as coach for next season
In addition to the development surrounding Ishan Kishan, the Jharkhand cricket team has appointed SS Rao as the coach for the upcoming season.
The 52-match FC veteran will replace Debasis Mohanty, the coach from last season. He was recommended by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) of JSCA. The return of Ishan Kishan also makes him one of the top choices for the domestic season.