'I enjoy competition, don’t take any stress about it' - Ishan Kishan opens up on falling behind in pecking order across formats

Ishan Kishan, who has fallen out of favour as far as selection to the Indian Team is concerned, opened up on facing challenges and competition on the road to his comeback.

The talented wicketkeeper-batter was a regular starter for India until mid-2023, as KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant were recuperating from injuries. Kishan also made his debut in the Test arena and scored a half-century against the West Indies. However, things spiralled dramatically over the next few months as Rahul's return for marquee events like the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup pushed him to the bench.

In the T20I series against Australia in November, Kishan played the first three games before being replaced by Jitesh Sharma in the last two encounters. The latter was also the first-choice wicketkeeper for the subsequent South Africa tour. Kishan opted to take a mental-health break as he returned home midway through the South Africa tour. During the Ranji Trophy 2024, the left-handed batter did not play for his state side, Jharkhand, even after receiving specific instructions from the BCCI. The cricket governing body went on to exclude him from the list of centrally contracted players.

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As the BCCI selectors opted to send a young team to Zimbabwe for India's five-match T20I tour, Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel were picked as the wicketkeeper-batters. Later, Jitesh was added to the squad as a backup option to Samson, who was unavailable for the first two matches. It is quite evident that Kishan has fallen way behind in the pecking order across formats but the 25-year-old said he is up for the challenge and looking forward to earning his place back in the side.

“It was heartening to see Rishabh back in action. As far as competition goes, you love challenges and when you compete with all the quality cricketers, it enhances your game. And then when you make it you feel like you have earned it. I know it’s not going to be easy. But I feel competition gives you that feeling of satisfaction. I enjoy it. I don’t take any stress about it,” Kishan told Indian Express on Sunday.

“I see myself playing in all three formats. I have done well in T20Is, ODIs and Tests as well. I want to be part of all three formats," he added.

I want to do well for Jharkhand and then let’s see: Kishan

Kishan spoke about his future goals, mentioning that he is constantly looking to improve his craft and waiting to do well in the upcoming domestic season for Jharkhand.

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“Keep myself fit and prepare for upcoming tournaments. I am not thinking too much about the future. I want to stay in the present. At this point in time, I am only focussed 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. These are the important things, rather than thinking about what happened in the past and what will happen in the future. I am waiting for the domestic season to kick off. I want to do well for Jharkhand and then let’s see,” he said.