‘Ab sach me mental health ki lag gayi hai’ – Fans react as Ishan Kishan omitted from India’s squad for two Tests against England

India wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan has been ignored by the selectors ahead of the five-match Test series against England. He last played for the team during the five-match T20I series, having been rested for the last two games. During the all-format series against South Africa, Kishan decided to pull out to address his mental health strain.

It is believed that the left-hander was fatigued due to fewer chances during the ODI World Cup 2023 and wanted to play in the Test series against the Proteas. However, sources close to him say that the team management didn’t understand his situation. Meanwhile, Dhurv Jurel, who is yet to play for India, has been given a maiden call-up.

India Squad for First 2 Tests vs England:

Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Avesh Khan

Ishan Kishan chose to travel to Dubai and partied: Sources

On the other hand, sources close to the Indian Cricket Board stated that the former India U19 skipper was given permission to stay with his family but he went to Dubai to party.

“He told the team management that he had mental fatigue because he had been on the road continuously and wanted to spend time with his family back home. Instead, he chose to travel to Dubai and was seen partying,” a source in the know revealed.

On the other hand, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra also questioned his non-selection for the ongoing T20I series against Afghanistan.

“Iyer was nominated as the Vice-Captain for the 5-match T20i series vs Australia. Was a part of the squad against SA too. Now, finds no place in the team vs Afghanistan. Dubey was in the squad vs Aus at home. Wasn’t picked for SA. Back in the team vs AFG. Also, where is Ishan Kishan? Any news on his availability?,” Chopra wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

It can be understood that the selectors decided to drop him as he failed to play for his state team in the ongoing Ranji Trophy.

This is how Twitter reacted