Reports: Ishan Kishan breaks silence on Ranji absence following controversy

Star Indian batter Ishan Kishan has been the cause of major controversy as he has missed several rounds of the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, which has caused the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to issue a letter to the centrally contracted players highlighting the importance of playing domestic red-ball cricket. 

The BCCI stated that strict action will be taken against the players who miss out on the Ranji Trophy, as they noticed a trend where players were prioritising preparing for the Indian Premier League (IPL) instead of playing the Indian domestic tournaments. 

“There is a recent trend that has started to emerge and is a cause for concern. Some players have begun prioritising the IPL over domestic cricket, a shift that was not anticipated. Domestic cricket has always been the foundation upon which Indian cricket stands, and it has never been undervalued in our vision for the sport,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah wrote in the letter.

“Our vision for Indian cricket has been clear from the outset: every cricketer aspiring to play for India must prove themselves in domestic cricket. Performance in domestic cricket remains a critical yardstick for selection, and non-participation in domestic cricket will carry severe implications,” he added.

Ishan Kishan seems to be at the top of BCCI’s list as he was recently captured training alongside Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya in Baroda ahead of the IPL 2024, and according to newly emerging reports, Kishan came forward to break his silence over the Ranji Trophy matter. 

According to the report, Ishan Kishan told a senior member of the Indian think tank that he is working on specific technical aspects of his game and that he currently feels he is unprepared for red-ball cricket. 

Furthermore, instead of the Ranji Trophy, Kishan will be participating in the DY Patil T20 tournament. His decision to include himself in the shorter format tournament has further sparked a debate about his dedication to playing red-ball cricket. 

Also Read: Jay Shah warns top stars of severe implications if they miss domestic red-ball games