(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] As teams eagerly prepare for the highly anticipated upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan received a spine-chilling welcome from his team, the five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI).
Ishan, ahead of IPL 2024, joined the MI camp on Tuesday only to be greeted by a welcome that left fans stunned on social media. In a video shared on social media, MI opted for a horror-themed welcome for Kishan in his hotel room.
The video began with Ishan entering his room, seemingly ignoring the ominous warning note on the door which read, “Darna Mana hai!” (Fear is prohibited). Upon entering, Ishan engaged in a bottle flip challenge, displaying his skills off the field. However, as the challenge progressed and Ishan’s third attempt faltered, the editor cleverly infused a touch of horror, prompting Ishan to flee from his room in a panic.
Dekh liya, team hotel mein aate hi bottle flip karneka natija 😰#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians @ishankishan51 pic.twitter.com/h5vEg7YjaH
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 13, 2024
The 25-year-old cricketer has been absent from competitive cricket since November 2023, missing India’s South Africa tour as well as home series against Afghanistan and England, citing ‘mental fatigue’. His absence extended to the entire Ranji Trophy, resulting in his exclusion from the BCCI’s annual central contracts.
In IPL 2024, Kishan is set to open the innings for Mumbai Indians alongside former MI captain Rohit Sharma, maintaining their partnership from the previous season. In the last season, Kishan emerged as MI’s second-highest run-scorer with 454 runs at an average of 30.27 and a strike rate of 142.77.
The southpaw wasted no time and was spotted honing his skills in the nets with his teammates soon after his arrival. IPL 2024 presents a golden opportunity for Ishan to reclaim his spot in the Indian team, especially with the impending tour to the West Indies and the USA immediately following the IPL, where India will compete in the T20 World Cup.