Despite the BCCI’s directive, Ishan Kishan, along with Deepak Chahar and Shreyas Iyer, did not play for their respective domestic teams in the Ranji Trophy 2024 final round match.
In the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024 final round match between Jharkhand and Rajasthan in Jamshedpur, Team India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, along with Deepak Chahar and Shreyas Iyer, was notably absent from their respective domestic teams. This absence raised eyebrows, especially in light of BCCI secretary Jay Shah’s recent directive requiring centrally contracted players to participate in domestic cricket if physically able.
Despite this, reports from ESPNCricinfo indicated that Kishan, Iyer, and Chahar opted out, with Iyer reportedly dealing with lower back and groin issues.
Kishan’s decision to practice in Baroda with Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya instead of representing Jharkhand further fueled speculation regarding their commitment to domestic cricket.
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During an event in Rajkot before the third India vs England Test, Jay Shah addressed concerns about players skipping important domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy.
“If you are fit then no excuse will be entertained. This applies to all centrally contracted players, they have to play. The player cannot decide his future, the selectors need to decide that. If the player is good in red-ball, he has to play,” he said.
Recently, Shah also issued a stern warning to centrally contracted players, emphasizing that they must participate in domestic cricket if selected.
“All contracted players have been told on the phone and I’ll be writing to them too. If the chairman of selectors, coach & captain wants you to play red-ball cricket then you gotta play. ‘Nakhre Nahi Chalenge’ (no tantrums). And as far as Ishan Kishan is concerned, he is young, I am not saying this specifically about him as it will be applicable for all the players uniformly,” he told the reporters.
Kishan withdrew from the Test series in South Africa due to personal reasons and later requested a break from the BCCI citing fatigue. However, he has not been considered for selection by Team India head coach Rahul Dravid due to his absence from cricket activities.
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While Kishan remains unavailable, Kumar Kushagra has taken on the role of wicketkeeper for Jharkhand in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024 fixture against Rajasthan.
Last Updated on February 16, 2024
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