The absence of Ishan Kishan from domestic cricket tournaments and his focus on gym sessions amid his break from cricket have sparked discussions within the cricketing fraternity. Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
- Break from Cricket: Ishan Kishan, a prominent player in the Indian cricket team, took a break from cricket after returning home from the India Tour of South Africa. His absence from the game has raised questions about his future plans and commitments.
- Importance of Domestic Cricket: Indian cricket team coach Rahul Dravid emphasized the importance of playing some form of the game to make a return to the national team. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also mandated that centrally contracted players participate in red-ball cricket in the domestic circuit.
- Controversy Surrounding Ishan Kishan: Despite the BCCI’s directive, Ishan Kishan reportedly missed playing for his state team, Jharkhand, in the Ranji Trophy. This sparked controversy and speculation about his commitment to domestic cricket.
- Viral Gym Session Video: A video showing Ishan Kishan training with Hardik Pandya in the gym has gone viral. While the authenticity of the video cannot be verified, it has fueled discussions about Kishan’s priorities and dedication to cricket.
- BCCI’s Mandate and Response: BCCI Secretary Jay Shah reiterated that all centrally contracted cricketers must play red-ball cricket in domestic tournaments upon the request of the coach or captain. He emphasized that there would be no tolerance for excuses in this matter. While Shah mentioned Ishan Kishan during the interaction, he clarified that the rule applies to all players uniformly.
- Call for Participation: Shah emphasized that contracted players must play for their state teams if called upon by the selectors, coach, or captain. He emphasized the importance of commitment and dedication to the game, highlighting that the chairman of the selection committee has the authority to make decisions regarding player participation.
In summary, the controversy surrounding Ishan Kishan’s absence from domestic cricket tournaments highlights the importance of commitment and adherence to BCCI guidelines for contracted players. The viral gym session video and the subsequent response from BCCI officials underscore the need for players to prioritize their cricketing responsibilities, including participation in domestic competitions.
