'Maybe He Is Not Ready': Rahul Dravid Gives Candid Response Regarding Ishan Kishan's Absence

Rahul Dravid, the coach of the Indian cricket team, stressed the importance of Ishan Kishan playing 'some cricket' to be considered for national selection.

Team India secured a resounding 106-run victory over England in Visakhapatnam on February 5 (Monday), levelling the ongoing five-match series at 1-1. Demonstrating a remarkable performance with both bat and ball, the hosts outclassed the visitors to make a strong comeback in the series. Following India's triumph, head coach Rahul Dravid once again faced questions about the potential return of Ishan Kishan to the Indian team. 

Kishan, the wicketkeeper, has been absent from the national side since November last year, having requested a break during the South Africa tour in December for personal reasons. Notably, he has also been absent from Jharkhand's lineup in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. With Rishabh Pant sidelined due to a prolonged injury and KS Bharat facing difficulties with the bat, attention has naturally shifted back to the possibility of Ishan Kishan making a comeback.

'There Is way Back For Anyone And Everyone'

Rahul Dravid addressed questions about Ishan Kishan's return to the Indian team after the second Test victory against England. Dravid emphasised that there is a pathway for every player to make a comeback, stating that Kishan had requested a break, and the team respected his decision. 

“There is way back for anyone and everyone. I don’t want to go on labouring about the Ishan Kishan point. Have tried to explain this as best as I can, the point was he had requested a break, we were happy to give him the break,” Dravid said in his post-match press conference on Monday after India’s victory.

Dravid clarified that there is no compulsion for Kishan to play domestic cricket immediately upon return. He emphasised that the decision to resume playing is entirely up to Kishan, and the team is in communication with him. Dravid highlighted that until Kishan is ready to play, it is not a consideration, and the selectors will weigh all options, especially with Rishabh Pant sidelined due to injury.

“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, it is not that we have not been in touch. He has not yet started playing right so at the moment it is not something we can consider. Because you know he maybe he is not ready. He decides when he wants to be ready. We have got options with Rishabh injured and stuff. I am sure the selectors will weight all options,” Dravid added further.

India will now square off against England in the third Test of the series in Rajkot, commencing from February 6 (Thursday).