Ishan Kishan unexpected decision to withdraw from the upcoming Test series against South Africa, citing personal reasons, intrigued the cricket community. Though the Indian Express said that mental exhaustion from constant travel and little game time seemed to be the main factor, the BCCI’s official statement was vague.
According to sources, after a year of travelling and playing cricket nonstop, the wicketkeeper-batter addressed the Indian team management, looking for a break from the game. He was given much-needed rest after talking with the selectors. The disclosure highlights the negative effects that players may experience from their demanding schedules and highlights the significance of mental health management in professional sports.
“He told the team management he was mentally tired and would like to take a temporary break from cricket. A source informed The Indian Express that “everyone agreed to it.”
“Ishan Kishan has asked to be excused from the BCCI’s next Test series against South Africa, citing personal circumstances. The wicketkeeper has since been left out of the Test team. KS Bharat has been picked as a replacement by the men’s selection committee, BCCI secretary Jay Shah announced in a press statement.
Ishan Kishan’s frequent switching around in the team
Since January, the 25-year-old’s cricket career has been characterized by frequent moves and erratic performances for the Indian squad. He traveled early in the year, but he didn’t get much playing time when he was with the national team. He was initially an underappreciated player in the Border-Gavaskar series, backing up Bharat. He made just one appearance in the ODI series against Australia.
The southpaw warmed the bench during his time in England for the World Test Championship final after the IPL 2023 season. He did not receive regular playing opportunities until the West Indies trip, during which he participated in two Tests, three ODIs, and as many T20Is. His hectic schedule continued with performances in Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup; however, he only got to play in two of the latter tournament’s matches. The surprise of management selecting Jitesh Sharma over him in the South Africa T20I series came after subsequent Twenty20 internationals against Australia.
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