Ditches Rahul Dravid's advice to play Ranji Trophy, Ishan Kishan potentially missed chance for red-ball comeback in IND vs ENG series

Ishan Kishan's return to international cricket will be delayed as the Team India youngster continues to bat against head coach Rahul Dravid's advice. Kishan last appeared for the team in the T20I series against Australia in November 2023. He left the subsequent tour of South Africa midway through, citing mental fatigue, and went on to miss the T20I series against Afghanistan and the home Tests against England. 

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The wicket-keeper batter was advised by Dravid to play India's premier red-ball tournament instead of making a direct entry to the international level. However, he has reportedly defied the former India cricketer by not taking part in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. According to Cricbuzz, Kishan will not feature in Jharkhand's upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Haryana in Jamshedpur on February 9. 

Ahead of the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan last month, Dravid said that Kishan needs to play domestic cricket for his way back into the national team. However, the 51-year-old clarified his statement following India's emphatic win over England in the second Test in Visakhapatnam, making Kishan's return much easier. 

"There is a way back for anyone and everyone. It's not that we rule out anybody from anything. He had requested a break, we were happy to give him a break. Whenever he is ready, I didn't say he has to play domestic cricket, I said whenever he is ready... he needs to play some cricket and come back. The choice is his. We are not forcing him to do anything. We are in touch with him," Dravid had said in the post-match press conference. 

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Kishan spotted training with Pandya Brothers: Reports 

Meanwhile, Cricbuzz has now reported that Kishan was seen training in Baroda with his Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, and his brother Krunal Pandya. The 25-year-old has reportedly been based in the city for the past few weeks. However, while training continues, there is uncertainty as to when he plans to resume competitive action.

In the absence of Kishan and KL Rahul not standing behind the stumps, KS Bharat was assigned to do the wicketkeeping duties in the first two Tests against England. In both the matches, Bharat was not impressive with the bat. It may have opened the door for Kishan to make a comeback for the remainder of the series, but a failure to heed Dravid's advice has cost him his best chance.