(BCCI Credit)

Ishan Kishan once again found himself omitted from India’s T20I and ODI squads, a decision that aligns with Gautam Gambhir’s strategic vision, which the BCCI selection committee appears to be implementing. The new approach saw the return of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer to the white-ball fold soon after Gambhir assumed his role. Shubman Gill was appointed vice-captain for both formats, while Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad were left out despite their recent appearances against Zimbabwe.

Currently, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Sanju Samson are the primary wicketkeeper-batsmen expected to rotate in India’s white-ball squads. Kishan’s last international outing was during the T20I series against Australia following the ODI World Cup. His decision to cut short the South Africa tour significantly affected his standing, leading to his exclusion from both the national team and the BCCI central contract.

With his recent snub, Kishan faces a crucial challenge to regain his place in the Indian white-ball setup. The BCCI expressed dissatisfaction over his return from South Africa and subsequent absence from domestic cricket, a move that also cost him his central contract.

Playing Domestic Cricket Only Way For Ishan Kishan’s Comeback

According to reports from PTI, Ishan Kishan’s pathway back into the Indian side hinges on his participation in a complete season of domestic cricket. Previously BCCI said that they “will continue to monitor player availability and participation in the upcoming domestic cricket season, 2024-25.”. 

Since the ODI World Cup last year, Ishan Kishan has been absent from competitive cricket, with minimal involvement in domestic tournaments outside the IPL seasons where his performances have been less than stellar. Despite domestic cricket traditionally serving as a crucial gauge for selection, Kishan has seemingly not heeded the BCCI’s advice.

In contrast, players like Shreyas Iyer reclaimed their spots in the ODI team through consistent domestic performances, while Riyan Parag earned his maiden ODI call-up on the strength of seven fifties in a recent Vijay Hazare Trophy season for Assam.

Reports suggest that the national selection committee is prioritizing domestic cricket performances, a factor that played a pivotal role in Harshit Rana’s inclusion in India’s ODI squad, aiming to broaden the pool of domestic fast bowlers. Conversely, neglecting domestic cricket has led to players like Umran Malik, despite impressive pace, losing their places in the national side.

With the BCCI leaning towards rotating Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Sanju Samson as wicketkeepers across both white-ball formats, Kishan’s return to the fold appears distant for now.

India’s upcoming tour to Sri Lanka kicks off on July 26 with three T20Is in Pallekele, followed by three ODIs in Colombo on August 2, 4, and 7. Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed the new T20I captain, while Rohit Sharma continues to lead in ODIs. Notably, despite their recent performances against Sri Lanka, Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad have been omitted from the T20I squads.