Cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented a strict policy mandating all centrally contracted players to participate in domestic cricket when fit and not on national duty. This move comes after the exclusion of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from the central contracts list due to their absence from domestic games.BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized the importance of domestic cricket for player fitness and selection. He stated that the harsh action taken against Iyer and Kishan has prompted them to participate in the upcoming Duleep Trophy. Shah also highlighted the case of Ravindra Jadeja, who was asked to play a domestic game after recovering from injury.However, the BCCI has exempted top players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah from domestic cricket as part of workload management. Shah explained that these players are at risk of injury if they are overburdened with domestic matches.The BCCI's decision has sparked debate among cricket fans and experts. Some argue that it is essential for players to maintain their form and fitness through domestic cricket, while others believe that top players should be rested to avoid burnout.The policy change is a significant step by the BCCI to ensure that players are match-ready and available for national selection. It also highlights the importance of domestic cricket as a pathway to the Indian team.

Ishan Kishan, the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter, showcased his exceptional talent with a blistering 86-ball century against Madhya Pradesh in the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament in Thirunelveli. Leading Jharkhand from the front, Kishan displayed his aggressive batting style, hitting the opposition bowlers to all corners of the park.After coming in at number six, Kishan initially played cautiously, scoring a composed 61-ball half-century. However, after reaching his fifty, he unleashed his full potential, smashing 114 runs off just 107 balls. His brutal knock included 10 towering sixes and 5 boundaries, with a strike rate of 106.54.Kishan's innings was a testament to his class and versatility, as he seamlessly blended caution and aggression. This performance comes as a timely reminder of his abilities ahead of the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, which begins on September 19.Earlier in the match, Madhya Pradesh were dismissed for 225, with Shubham S Kushwah top-scoring with 84 runs. Jharkhand ended the day at 277 for 7, with Kishan's century playing a pivotal role in their strong position.Kishan's return to red-ball cricket after his Test debut for India in July 2023 has been impressive, showcasing his adaptability and potential. His performance in the Buchi Babu tournament will undoubtedly put him in contention for a place in the Indian squad for the Bangladesh series.The 24-year-old will next feature in the Duleep Trophy, which will be played from September 5-24. This tournament is expected to feature several other Indian regulars, providing Kishan with an opportunity to further showcase his skills.

Ishan Kishan, the wicket-keeper batter, is making a strong comeback to red-ball cricket with impressive performances in the Buchi Babu Invitation Cricket Tournament. Having been included in the India C squad for the Duleep Trophy, Kishan is determined to regain his place in the Indian team.In the match against Madhya Pradesh, Kishan showcased his exceptional wicket-keeping skills, taking three well-timed catches. His final catch, a stunning diving effort to dismiss Ramveer Gurjar, was the highlight of the day. Kishan's other two catches, off the bowling of Chanchal Rathore and Aditya Singh, demonstrated his presence of mind and quick reflexes.Kishan's return to form is a welcome sign for the Indian selectors, who have been monitoring his progress closely. After a disappointing IPL season with Mumbai Indians, Kishan was left out of the BCCI's central contract list. However, his inclusion in the Duleep Trophy squad indicates that he is still in contention for a national call-up.The Duleep Trophy, a prestigious domestic tournament, will provide Kishan with an ideal platform to showcase his skills and prove his worth to the selectors. If he continues to perform at a high level, he could earn a recall to the Indian team for the upcoming series against Australia.Kishan's journey back to the Indian setup has been a challenging one. However, his determination and resilience have been evident throughout. With his impressive performances in the Buchi Babu Invitation Cricket Tournament, Kishan has taken a significant step towards achieving his goal of representing India once again.

India's wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan is set to make a grand return to domestic red-ball cricket in the upcoming Duleep Trophy. Kishan, who last played a domestic game in 2022, will lead Team D in the tournament, which kicks off on September 2024.Prior to the Duleep Trophy, Kishan will lead Jharkhand in the Buchi Babu tournament. The 25-year-old last played for India in the T20I series against Australia in November 2023. He was also part of the team for the subsequent tour of South Africa but withdrew due to personal reasons.Kishan's absence from domestic cricket towards the end of the 2023-24 season proved costly, as he was removed from the central contract list for not prioritizing domestic cricket. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized the importance of Kishan playing domestic cricket to regain his place in the Indian side.The Duleep Trophy marks the start of the new domestic season and will feature some of the finest players from the international circuit and emerging talents. The tournament will be played in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, and Bengaluru, Karnataka.Despite reports that senior players might be picked for the Duleep Trophy, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravichandran Ashwin have not been selected. Shubman Gill, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Shreyas Iyer will captain the four teams.Kishan's decision to participate in the Duleep Trophy is a significant step in his bid to regain his place in the Indian team. He has featured in two Tests, 17 ODIs, and 11 T20Is for India in 2023 and was part of the squad that reached the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Ishan Kishan, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, is set to make a significant return to first-class cricket by leading Jharkhand in the upcoming Buchi Babu Trophy, a pre-season red-ball tournament in Tamil Nadu. Kishan's inclusion in the squad marks a crucial step towards his full-fledged comeback to the Ranji Trophy fold, which is expected during the 2024-25 season.Kishan's decision to participate in the Buchi Babu Trophy stems from his desire to return to first-class cricket, which he communicated to the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA). His last domestic first-class game was in December 2022, and his absence from the Ranji Trophy towards the end of the 2023-24 season cost him a place on the BCCI's central contracts list.Kishan's return to red-ball cricket comes at a time when India is embarking on a long Test season, comprising 10 games over the next five months. However, a comeback to the Test team will not be easy. Kishan made his Test debut during India's tour of the West Indies last year, but his last first-class game remains the second Test of that Caribbean tour in July 2023.Despite being picked in the Test squad for the 2023-24 South Africa tour, Kishan requested to be released citing mental fatigue. He also declined a Test return during the five-Test home series against England earlier this year, informing the selectors that he wasn't ready.With Rishabh Pant now back in action and Dhruv Jurel impressing in the recent Test series against England, Kishan faces a tough challenge to regain his place in India's red-ball setup. However, his participation in the Buchi Babu Trophy and his expressed desire to return to the Ranji Trophy indicate his determination to prove his worth.

Since his abrupt departure from the Indian Test team in South Africa last year, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has struggled to regain his place in the national setup. Despite being part of the ODI World Cup team in India last year, Kishan failed to feature in any matches. His subsequent absence from domestic cricket and a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign have further diminished his chances of a recall.Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has attributed Kishan's downfall to a loss of focus, suggesting that he became preoccupied with fashion. Ali believes that Kishan's chances of returning to the Indian team are slim, given the strong competition from Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, and other emerging keeper-batters.Kishan's decision to leave the South Africa tour midway has also raised questions about his commitment. He cited fatigue as the reason for his departure, but his subsequent absence from domestic cricket raised eyebrows. In an interview with Indian Express, Kishan explained that he was experiencing travel fatigue and needed a break. However, his explanation has not been widely accepted.Kishan's poor form in the IPL 2024, where he managed only 324 runs in 14 games, further damaged his chances of a recall. He was subsequently ignored for the T20 World Cup in the Americas, which India won.With the likes of Pant, Samson, and other talented keeper-batters vying for a place in the Indian team, Kishan's chances of a comeback appear to be dwindling. He will need to rediscover his form and prove his commitment to the team if he wants to regain his place in the national setup.

Shreyas Iyer's impressive performance as captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has earned him a well-deserved recall to the Indian national team. The batter, who had previously been criticized for prioritizing the IPL over domestic cricket, has now made a strong case for his inclusion in the ODI squad.Iyer's return to the national setup is a testament to his determination and resilience. Despite being dropped from the ODI team last season, he remained focused and worked hard to regain his place. His consistent performances in the IPL, coupled with his impressive record in domestic cricket, have convinced the selectors to give him another chance.However, the same cannot be said for Ishan Kishan, who is believed to be out of favor with the selectors. Sources indicate that Kishan will only be considered for national selection after a full season of domestic cricket. The selectors believe that his focus on the IPL is hindering his development as a player.In addition to Iyer's recall, the BCCI has also announced the inclusion of Riyan Parag and Harshit Rana in the ODI squad. Parag, an all-rounder from Assam, has impressed with his performances in the Vijay Hazare National one-dayers, while Rana, a pacer from KKR, has shown promise in the IPL.The selectors have emphasized the importance of domestic cricket performances in their selection decisions. They will continue to monitor player availability and participation in the upcoming domestic season. This move is aimed at encouraging players to prioritize domestic cricket and develop their skills at the highest level.Abhishek Sharma, who recently scored a 46-ball century in the IPL, has missed out on a place in the ODI squad due to the presence of the skipper at No. 3. Similarly, Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has also been overlooked.

Ishan Kishan, the dynamic Indian wicketkeeper-batter, is determined to reclaim his place in the national team after a challenging six-month period. Having lost his spot in all three formats and his central contract, Kishan is eager to prove his worth once again.In an interview with the Indian Express, Kishan expressed his admiration for Rishabh Pant's recent return to the Indian side. He acknowledged the intense competition within the team, particularly with the impressive performances of Pant and Sanju Samson. However, Kishan remains unfazed and welcomes the challenge."It was heartening to see Rishabh back in action," said Kishan. "As far as competition goes, you love challenges. When you compete with quality cricketers, it enhances your game. I know it's not going to be easy, but competition gives you that feeling of satisfaction."Kishan's ambitions extend beyond the T20 format. He envisions himself as a key player in all three formats, as he was before his hiatus. "I see myself playing in all three formats," he stated. "I want to be part of all three formats."To achieve his goals, Kishan is focused on improving his fitness and preparing for upcoming tournaments. He is determined to stay in the present and not dwell on past setbacks or future uncertainties."I am not thinking too much about the future," said Kishan. "I want to stay in the present. I am only focused on how to become a better and different player from what I was six months ago. I will work on a few innovative shots and on my wicket-keeping."Kishan is eagerly awaiting the start of the domestic season, where he hopes to showcase his skills for Jharkhand. He believes that strong performances at the domestic level will pave the way for his return to the national team.

Ishan Kishan, the prodigious wicket-keeper batter, has endured a challenging period in recent months, losing his place in the Indian team across all formats and the BCCI central contract. In an exclusive interview with the Indian Express, Kishan candidly shared his experiences and aspirations.Kishan's absence from the Indian team stemmed from a combination of factors, including travel fatigue and mental exhaustion. He sought a break from the tour of South Africa in December 2023, a decision that was met with mixed reactions."I don't want to be sad about anything. I'll keep giving my best," Kishan said, reflecting on the setbacks. He acknowledged the emotional toll of the past few months, questioning why such adversity had befallen him."It was depressing. I don't want to say that everything was fine. It was not easy for me at all. You go through a lot. Questions like what happened, why me, with me. All these things happened when I was performing," he confided.Kishan emphasized that his break was primarily due to travel fatigue, but he also recognized that his mental well-being was compromised. He lamented that his decision was not fully understood by many."I was scoring runs and then I found myself on the bench. These things do happen in a team sport. But I experienced travel fatigue. It meant there was something wrong, I was not feeling well or right and so I decided to take a break. However, sadly, barring my family and few close people no one understood that," he said.Kishan believes that his break was necessary and that he is now ready to make a comeback. He understands the importance of performing in domestic cricket to earn a recall to the national team."I took a break and I think it was normal. There is a rule that if you want to make a comeback you must perform in domestic cricket. It is as simple as that. Now, it was very different for me to play domestic cricket as it was not making any sense. I was not in a frame of mind to play and that is why I took a break from international cricket. It doesn't make sense that you take a break from international cricket and then you go and play domestic matches. Then I could have continued playing for India," he asserted.Kishan remains determined to regain his place in the Indian team and is confident that he can overcome the challenges he has faced. His resilience and unwavering belief in his abilities will undoubtedly serve him well in his pursuit of excellence.