India head coach Rahul Dravid has opened up on Ishan Kishan’s comeback prospects after his team beat England in the Vizag Test today (February 5), saying the wicketkeeper-batter hasn’t yet resumed playing competitive cricket.
Kishan has been sidelined since the 2023 World Cup, when he played in the T20I series at home against Australia. He was part of the Indian white-ball team that toured South Africa but did not play in the match. Kishan then missed the two-match Test series against South Africa citing “mental fatigue”.
After India’s comprehensive victory over England in the second Test, Dravid stressed to reporters that Kishan “needs to play some cricket” to be eligible for selection. “There is a way back for everyone,” Dravid said. “We don’t exclude anyone for any reason. Mr. Ishan asked for a break and we were happy to give him a break. He can play cricket whenever he is ready. I have to come back.
“The choice is his.” We will not force him to do anything. We have been in contact with him, but he has not started playing yet so we can’t think of bringing him back. He decides when he wants to be ready. ”
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Kishan was expected to play for Jharkhand in the 2024 Ranji Trophy to assert his selection, but he is yet to play for the state team. As a result, he was left out of the ongoing Test series against England despite being the first-choice wicketkeeper during India’s tour to the West Indies. India chose Dhruv’s Jurel in place of his first two Test wickets as Kishan was absent.
India won the second Test by 106 runs, relying on Jasprit Bumrah’s figures of 9 for 91 in the match. England were asked to aim for a record 399, but failed the next day and were bowled out for 292. Both teams proceed to their third Test in a five-match series tied 1-1.
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