After a prolonged absence from competitive cricket, Ishan Kishan, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman of the Indian cricket team, returned to action in the DY Patil T20 Cup. Kishan’s hiatus had been a subject of speculation since he took a break during India’s Tour of South Africa. His absence raised eyebrows, especially after being overlooked for subsequent series against Afghanistan and England.
With Indian cricket team coach Rahul Dravid emphasizing the need for Kishan to regain form through active participation in matches, the DY Patil T20 Cup marked a crucial opportunity for his comeback. Despite opting out of the Ranji Trophy, Kishan chose to train alongside his IPL captain, Hardik Pandya, as evidenced by a shared gym session video.
However, Kishan’s return to action ended in disappointment as he faced dismissal by Maxwell, further extending his struggles to find form. Representing the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) team against Route Mobile Limited, Kishan’s stint behind the stumps was overshadowed by his early departure with the bat, highlighting the challenges he faces in reclaiming his spot in the national side.
Upon his return, Ishan Kishan contributed to a dismissal, executing a stumping to remove Sumit Dhekale off Sayan Mondal’s delivery at the DY Patil University Ground. Subsequently, wielding the bat, he briefly entertained the audience with a brisk 19 off 12 balls, including two boundaries and a six. However, his innings was cut short when attempting to take on Maxwell Swaminathan’s delivery, resulting in his departure at mid-off during the fourth over of RBI’s chase of 193.
In the first innings, Route Mobile Limited set a formidable target of 193, powered by Aayush Vartan’s explosive 54 off 31 balls, complemented by Dhekale’s blitzkrieg 42 off 17 balls. Despite their efforts, RBI faltered in their response, collapsing to just 103 in 16.3 overs, with Badrey Alam emerging as Route’s standout bowler, claiming figures of 5-20.
Meanwhile, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah reiterated the organization’s stance on centrally contracted cricketers’ participation in red-ball cricket within the domestic circuit. Addressing reporters during the renaming ceremony of the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Shah emphasized the mandatory nature of this directive, regardless of players’ individual preferences or excuses. Although Shah referenced Ishan Kishan in his remarks, he clarified that the rule applied uniformly to all contracted players, with no exceptions.
“All contracted players have been informed via phone, and formal communication will follow. If the chairman of selectors, coach, and captain deem it necessary for players to engage in red-ball cricket, they are expected to comply without any reservations. This directive applies universally, and while Ishan Kishan’s situation prompted the discussion, it is a rule that encompasses all players,” Shah stated firmly.
He further asserted, “Every player is obligated to adhere to this policy, as per the recommendations of the selection committee chairman. I will grant him autonomy in making decisions regarding player selections.”
