Ishan Kishan prepares for Duleep Trophy
Ishan Kishan’s Path to India Comeback: Play Duleep Trophy, Say SelectorsIn a move to ensure top players stay connected with domestic cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has mandated that all top India stars, except Jasprit Bumrah, participate in the upcoming Duleep Trophy. This decision comes after the BCCI earlier warned players against skipping domestic competitions. With no international cricket for over a month, the revamped Duleep Trophy, set to begin early next month, will feature top players, including captain Rohit Sharma and batting superstar Virat Kohli, preparing for the Bangladesh Test series starting September 19. A Platform for RedemptionThe Duleep Trophy will also serve as a platform for Ishan Kishan to revive his India career. The selection committee has set a condition for Kishan’s comeback: play in the Duleep Trophy. Kishan was dropped from India squads across formats after requesting a break from cricket during the South Africa tour and not featuring in the Ranji Trophy for his domestic team Jharkhand, despite the BCCI’s warning. Consequences of Skipping Domestic CricketThe BCCI took action, and Kishan was excluded from the annual list of centrally contracted players. However, the 26-year-old continued training in Baroda alongside India allrounder Hardik Pandya. He made his competitive return in the DY Patil T20 tournament in February and later represented Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. Kishan’s Sabbatical: A Need for RechargeIn an interview with The Indian Express, Kishan opened up about his decision to take a break from cricket, citing travel fatigue and the need to recharge. “I was scoring runs and then I found myself on the bench. These things do happen in a team sport. But I experienced travel fatigue. It meant there was something wrong, I was not feeling well or right, and so I decided to take a break. However, sadly, barring my family and few close people, no one understood that.” A Chance to Prove HimselfThe Duleep Trophy presents an opportunity for Kishan to demonstrate his commitment and form. With 2 Tests, 27 ODIs, and 32 T20Is under his belt, Kishan has the experience and talent to make a successful comeback. The selection committee’s condition emphasizes the importance of domestic cricket in the Indian cricket ecosystem. The Road AheadAs the Indian domestic season begins, the Duleep Trophy will be a crucial platform for top players to prepare for international cricket. For Ishan Kishan, it’s a chance to relaunch his India career and prove himself once again. Will he seize this opportunity and make a successful comeback? Only time will tell.
