Following the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) ultimatum to centrally contracted players to participate in the Ranji Trophy, wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan is reportedly gearing up for a return to cricket. As per a Dainik Bhaskar report, Ishan Kishan is likely to participate in the DY Patil Tournament in Mumbai as part of his preparations for the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL).
The 25-year-old has chosen to sit out the last round of the Ranji Trophy, commencing on February 16, and has instead opted to make his comeback through the DY Patil tournament. Kishan had taken a break from the South Africa tour for mental well-being and has not played cricket since then. His potential involvement in the DY Patil Tournament indicates a return to competitive cricket ahead of the upcoming IPL season.
Kishan missed the chance to participate in the ongoing India vs England Test series , as Dhruv Jurel received a maiden call-up. Interestingly, the left-handed batter has decided not to join his peers in the Ranji Trophy and, instead, has chosen to practise in Baroda with the Pandya brothers.
Team India's head coach, Rahul Dravid, has emphasised on multiple occasions that Ishan Kishan needs to get back to playing cricket after his break to make a return to the national side. It appears that the upcoming T20 tournament is the path Kishan has chosen for his comeback, as he is unlikely to participate in Jharkhand's upcoming final Ranji Trophy league stage contest.
Ishan Kishan Reportedly Took Break From Cricket To Spend Time With Family
According to the report, Ishan Kishan took a mental health break to spend time with his family. The Dainik Bhaskar report indicates that his decision to step away from cricket was primarily driven by a desire to be with his family. Regarding his absence in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, it is suggested that Kishan chose not to participate due to inadequate preparation. The left-handed batter's most recent appearance was during the T20I series against Australia at home following the 2023 ODI World Cup. Before that, he had been consistently travelling with the team for events such as the Asia Cup, the Caribbean tour, and other bilateral engagements.