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[Saba Sports News] Ishan Kishan was recently seen at the Mumbai airport donned in a Superman costume, a move that drew significant attention. This occurrence is part of a disciplinary tradition within the Mumbai Indians (MI) team for those who fail to adhere to certain team rules. Kishan’s appearance in the superhero outfit comes amid news that he was not included in the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) recent central contracts.
The left-handed batsman had previously cited mental fatigue as the reason for his unavailability for the series against South Africa and the subsequent five Test matches against England at home. Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, emphasized the importance of players participating in domestic cricket when they are not engaged with the national team. However, Kishan chose to prepare with the MI camp in anticipation of IPL 2024, which caught the attention of the BCCI.
The tradition at MI, as shared by former captain Rohit Sharma, mandates that players who don’t follow the team’s protocols must perform a humorous public act. This often involves wearing a comedic superhero costume if they are late for team meetings or bus departures. Kishan, who experienced this light-hearted punishment back in 2018 as well, commented on the awkwardness but acknowledged the lesson learned.
Rahul Chahar, a past MI player, also shared his experience with the tradition, highlighting the team’s emphasis on punctuality and the consequences of not adhering to it. This unique form of discipline showcases the team’s effort to maintain order while injecting a sense of fun and camaraderie among the players.
“I was told about it two days earlier, but I completely forgot. So, I missed my gym session. I’m feeling quite awkward, but still. That’s why I haven’t taken off my sunglasses inside the airport. I don’t want to make eye contact with anyone. I won’t make this mistake again. I will make sure of that,” Kishan said in 2018.
“Whoever is late will have to wear this special kit. I was late to the physio room. In fact, I never reached. That’s why I have been punished. On the last, we were told to wear jeans, but I wore my tracks. When it comes to punctuality, I am always 10 minutes early,” Rahul Chahar, a member of Mumbai Indians, then shared.