(Source X)
Out-of-favor Indian cricketer Ishan Kishan is set to make a prominent return to domestic cricket, representing Jharkhand in the upcoming season. The Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) has included him among the 25 pre-season probables.
The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter will begin his domestic campaign in the Buchi Babu Invitational tournament, which starts on August 15 in Chennai. Kishan’s return to domestic cricket follows valuable advice from his supporters and Indian selectors, who have reportedly explained the reasons for his recent omissions from the national team.
Ishan Kishan Poised for Domestic Cricket Return with Jharkhand
Last year, Ishan Kishan missed the entire domestic season, which impacted him negatively as the BCCI had mandated that players not on national duty must be available for their state teams. Kishan had returned from South Africa mid-tour due to mental health concerns.
Despite this, he chose not to participate in the Ranji Trophy for Jharkhand and instead focused on preparing for IPL 2024 at a Baroda academy. This decision frustrated the BCCI and Indian selectors, contributing to his removal from the national team.
Kishan was subsequently overlooked for the ongoing white-ball tour of Sri Lanka following the England Tests and T20 World Cup 2024. He was also dropped from the BCCI’s central contract list.
With the BCCI emphasizing the need for players to represent their states, Kishan is now eager to seize every opportunity in domestic cricket to revive his career and make a strong case for his return to the Indian team. He has confirmed his availability to the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) for the upcoming domestic season.
Ishan Kishan is set to represent Jharkhand in the Buchi Babu Tournament.
A source familiar with the situation was cited by News 18 as saying, “Yes, Ishan Kishan is going to play for Jharkhand in the Buchi Babu tournament. It is a prestigious tournament where all top red-ball teams come and play. The conditions are challenging, and it’s the right way to prepare yourself for the long domestic grind ahead.”
Although the JSCA has not yet officially announced Kishan’s plans for the season, his state teammates have confirmed that the Indian cricketer will be available for selection. To date, Ishan has represented India in 2 Tests, 27 ODIs, and 32 T20Is from July 2021 to November 2023.
SS Rao has been appointed as the head coach of the Jharkhand Cricket Team.
He was part of India’s squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup but did not get an opportunity to play. With the domestic season set to begin with the Duleep Trophy on September 5 in Andhra Pradesh, Ishan is expected to be considered for the captaincy role.
Jharkhand has recently named SS Rao as their head coach for the upcoming season. The 41-year-old Rao, who has played 52 first-class matches, replaces Debasis Mohanty. Rao’s appointment follows a recommendation from the JSCA’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC).
