(Cricket News) India’s triumph over England by 108 runs in the second Test, evening the five-Test series at 1-1, head coach Rahul Dravid was once again queried about Ishan Kishan’s potential return to the Indian team.
Having not played for India since November and taking a break during the South Africa tour in December for personal reasons, Ishan Kishan has yet to feature for Jharkhand in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. With Rishabh Pant sidelined due to a long-term injury and KS Bharat struggling with the bat, attention has naturally turned back to Ishan.
Dravid addressed the situation in his post-match press conference, stating, “There is a way back for anyone and everyone. I don’t want to dwell on the Ishan Kishan point. We were happy to grant him the break he requested. Whenever he is ready, he needs to play some cricket and come back. The choice is his. We are not forcing him to do anything.”
He continued, “We are in touch with him; he has not yet started playing, so at the moment, it is not something we can consider. He decides when he wants to be ready. We have options with Rishabh injured. I am sure the selectors will weigh all options.”
Regarding KS Bharat’s batting form, Dravid commented, “Disappointed is a strong word for his batting form. I would not use that word. At times, young players take time to develop. They grow at their own pace. As a coach, you want players to grab the opportunities. His keeping has been good; he will also agree that he could have done better with the bat.”
Looking ahead to the third Test in Rajkot, Dravid mentioned that the Indian think tank will have over a week to finalize their XI. While there is interest in the injury status of KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, who missed the second Test, the potential comeback of Virat Kohli, who chose to skip the first two Tests for “personal reasons,” will be a major focal point in the coming days.
