Indian board orders Ishan Kishan to play Ranji Trophy ahead of England Test series

Indian Cricket Board has ordered Ishan Kishan to play Ranji Trophy games ahead of the five-match Test series against England at home. Recent reports suggested that the board has taken strict action against him. Apparently, it was reported that his unauthorized appearance on TV and partying. However, India head coach Rahul Dravid refuted the reports.

“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 told reporters in Mohali on the eve of the series-opening T20I.

Meanwhile, ahead of the South Africa Test series, Kishan pulled due to mental fatigue. While The Indian Express reported that he didn’t take his lack of chances well, sources close to the left-hander feel that not getting enough chances took a toll on the former India U19 captain.

“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.

Meanwhile, Jharkhand will play next against Maharashtra starting on January 12. Their first game of the tournament against Saurashtra was drawn. Batting first, Jharkhand was bowled out for 142 runs. In reply, Saurashtra amassed 578/4 declared. In the second innings, Kishan’s state team reached 306/3 before the game ended in a draw. Talking about the Test series, it will start on January 25.

Ishan Kishan misses out T20I series against Afghanistan

India’s Squad for 3 T20Is against Afghanistan: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar