(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] India head coach Rahul Dravid provided details on Ishan Kishan’s alleged mental fatigue break, saying that the wicketkeeper-batter is not yet ready for a comeback and must play competitive cricket to be considered for selection in the Indian team.
For the unversed, Kishan was in the India squad for the Test series versus South Africa buf made himself unavailable with media reports claiming him to be on a break due to mental fatigue.
He last played a match in November 2023. Dravid, who was also asked about his unavailability ahead of the Afghanistan T20I series, had stated that Kishan needs to return to domestic arena to make himself eligible for India selection.
However, as it turned out, the 25-year-old has not played any games for Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 as of now.
After India’s win the second Test against England, Dravid retracted his domestic cricket statement, clarifying that he wants Kishan to play an form of competitive cricket whenever he is ready. Dravid also informed that they are in touch with Kishan.
“There is a way back for anyone and everyone. It’s not that we rule out anybody from anything. Again, I just don’t want to go on laboring about the Ishan Kishan point. I have tried to explain this as best as I can. He had requested a break, we were happy to give him a break,” Dravid said as quoted on Tuesday.
“Whenever he is ready, I didn’t say he has to play domestic cricket, I said whenever he is ready… he needs to play some cricket and come back. The choice is his. We are not forcing him to do anything. We are in touch with him,” he added
“We know what it is. He hasn’t yet started playing, right? At the moment, it’s not something that we would consider. He is maybe not ready. He decides when he wants to be ready.”
He further talked about India having wicket-keeping options, which will also decide Kishan’s re-entry in the Indian team. While India are testing KS Bharat at the moment in Tests, Dhruv Jurel is sitting on the bench waiting for a chance.
“We have got options with Rishabh injured and stuff. The selectors will consider all this and take a call,” Dravid stated.