In recent months, Indian cricket fans have been eagerly speculating about the potential return of explosive wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan to the national team. After a period filled with challenges, including his sudden withdrawal from a prior call-up and an apparent rift with BCCI president Jay Shah, Kishan’s fortunes appear to be shifting. The appointment of new head coach Gautam Gambhir has rekindled hopes, as Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the selection committee, has begun to show renewed confidence in Kishan, increasing the likelihood of his return to Team India. Following his involvement in the Duleep Trophy, Kishan has now been named in the squad for the upcoming Irani Cup, hinting at a possible resurgence in his cricketing career.
Selection in Irani Cup Following Duleep Trophy Success
The upcoming Irani Cup match will see the Ranji Trophy champions, Mumbai, face off against the Rest of India starting October 1. The BCCI has announced the Rest of India squad, naming Ishan Kishan as their wicketkeeper alongside Dhruv Jurel. However, Jurel is currently in the midst of a Test series with Team India, and if he doesn’t feature in the second Test against Bangladesh, he may join the Irani Cup squad later.
Kishan’s selection for the Irani Cup is a significant indicator of his return to favor with the selection committee and team management. His journey became rocky after abruptly leaving the South Africa tour in December of last year, followed by his absence from domestic cricket, despite pleas from former coach Rahul Dravid and BCCI secretary Jay Shah. Subsequently, BCCI dropped him from their central contract. Nevertheless, Kishan demonstrated his desire to return by performing exceptionally in the IPL and subsequently in the Buchi Babu tournament, ultimately leading to his selection in the India C team for the Duleep Trophy, where he made a remarkable comeback with a brilliant century.
Is a Return to Team India Imminent?
With his inclusion in the Irani Cup following his standout performance in the Duleep Trophy, Kishan is almost certain to make the playing eleven for the Rest of India team. There is speculation that, despite Dhruv Jurel’s availability, Ishan may be entrusted with the wicketkeeping duties. This scenario begs the question: could this be a precursor to his return to Team India? A strong performance in the Irani Cup could indeed pave the way for his recall, especially as Team India prepares for a T20 series against Bangladesh next month.
Moreover, the chances of Kishan being part of the Test squad against New Zealand have significantly improved with the recent developments. Coach Gautam Gambhir, who has always championed Kishan’s inclusion in the team, could play a pivotal role in advocating for his comeback. Gambhir’s history of supporting Ishan points to the possibility that he might again take the field donning the blue jersey. The cricketing community eagerly awaits the unfolding of these events, which will clarify Kishan’s position in the national team in the coming days.
