/sky247-english/media/agency_attachments/u8Dd4hyaH0mQGXmyg0Eo.png)
/sky247-english/media/media_files/oXHoxgPA7CrylmMTcwp1.jpg)
Follow Us/sky247-english/media/media_files/nu65b1IDfvNpWKAqwDWp.png)
Ishan Kishan (Source: Twitter)
The exclusion of wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan from the Indian T20I series raised eyebrows among pundits. While Kishan withdrew from the South Africa Test series citing 'personal reasons,' he was reportedly available for the Afghanistan T20I series. Despite this, the Indian Cricket Board opted to omit him, selecting Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma as wicket-keepers. As fans and critics inquire about Ishan's absence, a report sheds light on the complex situation the Mumbai Indians batter finds himself in.
/sky247-english/media/media_files/L36rCpmHRJkAgRgNCcLd.jpg)
According to a report from the Indian Express, Ishan Kishan requested to be excused from the Test assignment due to mental fatigue, having spent considerable time on the bench. Subsequently, he was spotted partying in Dubai, a move that purportedly did not sit well with the Indian Cricket Board selectors and the team management. The report also indicates that Ishan initially wanted to skip the Australia T20I series after the ODI World Cup but faced rejection. Similarly, his request to miss the white-ball series against South Africa was denied. Eventually, during the Test series against South Africa, the Board agreed to accommodate his request.
"He told the team management that he had mental fatigue because he had been on the road continuously and wanted to spend time with his family back home. Instead, he chose to travel to Dubai and was seen partying," the source was quoted as per NDTV Sports.
Missing Afghanistan series can be threatening for Ishan
It is also to be kept in mind that the star India wicketkeeper was a constant with the team after the ODI World Cup final debacle. In the very series in which the Indian team played against Australia, he along with Suryakumar Yadav was the only member who featured in the World Cup squad while others were on rest.
Given that the Afghanistan series marks Team India's final T20 assignment before the upcoming T20 World Cup, there is concern that Ishan Kishan might be excluded from consideration for the mega event. The return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the shortest format has heightened competition for top-order positions in the batting lineup.