Is BCCI Ignoring Ishan Kishan? A Closer Look
Recent developments have raised questions about the BCCI’s treatment of wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan. Known for his explosive batting and reliable wicketkeeping, Kishan’s recent exclusion from India’s squad for the Zimbabwe tour has puzzled fans and analysts. Kishan, who made headlines with his double century in ODIs, seems to have fallen out of favor with the selectors.
Ishan Kishan’s Performance and Contributions
Ishan Kishan has been a consistent performer for India, especially as a backup wicketkeeper. His notable achievements include:
- ODI Double Century: Kishan became the youngest and fastest to score a double century in ODIs, showcasing his potential as a top-order batsman.
- Consistent Backup: Over the past three years, Kishan has frequently traveled with the Indian team as a backup wicketkeeper, playing crucial roles when required.
Ishan Kishan’s ODI Career Stats:
- Matches: 24
- Runs: 798
- Average: 36.27
- Strike Rate: 97.93
- 50s/100s: 5/1
Recent Exclusion and Possible Reasons
The exclusion of Ishan Kishan from the Zimbabwe tour squad has sparked several theories and discussions:
- Selection of Jitesh Sharma: Jitesh Sharma, who has had a relatively modest IPL season with only 187 runs in 14 matches at an average of 17, was preferred over Kishan. This decision has been controversial, given Kishan’s superior performance in the IPL and other formats. Jitesh Sharma’s IPL 2023 Stats:
- Matches: 14
- Runs: 187
- Average: 17.00
- Strike Rate: 124.32
- Mental Health Breaks: Post World Cup, Kishan requested breaks citing mental health issues, which led to his absence from the South Africa, New Zealand, and England series. While mental health is paramount, these breaks may have contributed to his reduced visibility among selectors (CricInformer).
- Performance in IPL: Despite having a decent IPL season, Kishan’s performance was overshadowed by other players. His exclusion from the annual contract list by the BCCI further indicates a possible fallout.
Ishan Kishan’s IPL 2023 Stats:
- Matches: 14
- Runs: 320
- Average: 22.86
- Strike Rate: 128.32
Comparisons and Controversies
Comparisons with other players like Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel, who have been included in the squad, highlight the inconsistencies in the selection process:
- Sanju Samson: Known for his explosive batting, Samson has had a mixed run in international cricket but continues to receive backing from the selectors.
- Dhruv Jurel: Another young talent, Jurel’s inclusion over Kishan has raised eyebrows, considering Kishan’s proven track record.
Statements and Reactions
The cricketing fraternity has expressed mixed reactions to Kishan’s exclusion:
- Analysts’ View: Cricket analysts argue that Kishan’s consistent performance and potential make him a valuable asset for the team. They believe that his exclusion might be short-term, pending a resolution of internal team dynamics and his mental well-being.
- Fans’ Reaction: Fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment, urging the BCCI to reconsider Kishan’s exclusion and highlighting his contributions to Indian cricket.
Future Prospects
Ishan Kishan’s future in Indian cricket seems uncertain at the moment. However, there is a silver lining:
- Hardik Pandya’s Captaincy: Should Hardik Pandya become the full-time captain of the Indian team, Kishan, who shares a good rapport with Pandya, might find his way back into the squad. Pandya’s leadership could bring about a change in the team dynamics, potentially favoring Kishan’s return.
Conclusion
Ishan Kishan’s exclusion from the Zimbabwe tour and subsequent teams has raised several questions about the BCCI’s selection policies. While his recent performances and mental health breaks might have contributed, his potential and past contributions suggest that he deserves another chance. As Indian cricket navigates through these changes, fans and analysts alike hope for Kishan’s return to the national squad.
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