Why Ishan Kishan DROPPED from the Indian Test squad? 

After reports of Kishan being dropped from the Afghanistan tour for partying during his break came out, many thought it was a punishment for only that series.

Why Ishan Kishan DROPPED from the Indian Test squad? 

Ishan Kishan during his unbeaten 53 against West Indies (Image via ESPN)

Few months ago Ishan Kishan made his debut for the Indian Test side after a string of poor performances by KS Bharat. He debuted in the Test series against West Indies, where he batted only three innings. He scored a quick-fire 50, finishing the innings with 52* off 34 in the 2nd Test. 

Months later he’s not in contention for the Test team as he’s not in the squad for the first two Tests for the England series. Bharat returned, while youngster Dhruv Jurel has been called up after impressive performances for India A and Uttar Pradesh. Even KL Rahul had kept the wickets in South Africa, due to Kishan taking a break. 

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After reports of Kishan being dropped from the Afghanistan tour for partying during his break came out, many thought it was a punishment for only that series. But Rahul Dravid came out and said the wicketkeeper wasn’t being punished. Dravid said Kishan hadn’t made himself available and when he is ready, he will play in the Ranji Trophy. 

Ishan Kishan releases video of himself training amidst reports of him not being available 

On 11th January, The Indian Express published an article in which it stated the BCCI was punishing Ishan Kishan for partying in Dubai during his break. The keeper had taken a break due to physical and mental fatigue, but the selectors lost faith in him after clips of him partying went viral. 

Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan blocks the ball (Image via ESPN)

Although Rahul Dravid said that Kishan hasn’t made himself available yet, reports claimed Kishan wanted to play the current T20I series against Afghanistan, but was dropped. Dravid further added that Kishan didn’t make himself available for the England series as well, stating the only way he’ll return is by playing Ranji. In response, Kishan released a video of himself training on X (formerly Twitter). In the video he was seen performing yoga and sprinting.

As of now he hasn’t made himself available for the Jharkhand Cricket Team. The secretary of Jharkhand State Cricket Association confirmed he was not yet available, but when he returns he will be in the first team. Their next match will be against Services on the 19th of January.

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