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For the Test series against England, the Indian squad
may decide to go with a specialist wicketkeeper, and Ishan Kishan may be one
option.
Ishan might indicate that he is available for the next
Test series after becoming entangled in a controversy regarding his exclusion
from the T20I series against Afghanistan. Currently on a cricket break, the
25-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman is targeting a return for the five-Test series
that kicks off in Hyderabad on January 25.
Following the team management’s strategy, spearheaded
by Rahul Dravid, which mandates a domestic match prior to an international
comeback after an extended layoff, Ishan can declare himself fit for
Jharkhand’s next match against Services in Delhi starting on January 19 in
order to demonstrate his fitness. Nov. 28 was Ishan’s last India match.
Dravid denied rumours that Ishan was left out because
of his lack of discipline, saying that Ishan had asked for the voluntary break.
The coach denied rumours of disciplinary problems, stating that Ishan has not
yet made himself available for selection.
“Absolutely no disciplinary issue. Ishan Kishan
was not available for selection. Ishan requested for a break, which we agreed
in South Africa. We supported it. He has not yet made himself available. When
he is available, he will play domestic cricket and make himself available for
selection,” Dravid said on the eve of India’s first T20I in Mohali.
In line with the specialist keeper approach, KS Bharat
has been asked to play in the A series against England Lions in Ahmedabad,
preparing him for the wicketkeeping role. Ishan Kishan remains a potential
candidate in this specialized capacity. The five-Test series starts on January
25.