New Delhi: Ishan Kishan made a comeback as Jharkhand skipper ahead of the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. Ishan returns as the leader of his state team, following his controversial pullout last season that cost him the BCCI central contract.
The wicket-keeper batter, who cemented his spot in India’s white-ball squad after Rishabh Pant’s horrific road accident in December 2022, stepped away from the game during India’s tour of South Africa last year.
After the break, Ishan’s decision to not participate in any official BCCI matches raised a few eyebrows, especially after the board’s mandate of players prioritising domestic cricket when not playing international matches.
The 26-year-old explosive batter was back in action this February but instead of playing red-ball domestic cricket played in the privately organised DY Patil T20 Cup ahead of the IPL. His actions sparked massive a debate over the balance between franchise cricket and state commitments.
His absence from domestic cricket during this period didn’t go unnoticed as BCCI omitted his name from the 2023-24 central contract list.
A road to redemption
Following the heartbreaking snub, Ishan has moved heaven and earth to revive his relationship with the Indian Cricket Board with his superb performances. He has worked his way back into the BCCI’s good books with good displays in domestic cricket, including centuries in the Buchi Babu tournament and the Duleep Trophy.
He also played for the Rest of India in the Irani Cup against Mumbai, scoring 38 in his only innings.
Who knows a strong showing in the Ranji season might help Ishan in reclaiming the BCCI central contract.
Ishan will lead a young 16-member Jharkhand squad, with last season’s designated skipper Virat Singh as his deputy. Kumar Kushagra has been assigned wicketkeeping duties.
Jharkhand will open their Ranji campaign against Assam in Guwahati in Elite Group D.
Jharkhand ended last season’s campaign in third place from the bottom, winning two, losing two, and drawing three of their seven matches in Group A.
Subroto Das, chairman of Jharkhand’s selection committee, expressed faith in Ishan and his leadership abilities.
Ishan Kishan returns as Jharkhand captain after last season’s controversial pullout from domestic cricket that cost him BCCI central contract Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
