Reports: Ishan Kishan denied match-readiness upon being contacted by BCCI for England Tests

Ishan Kishan opted out of the South Africa series citing mental fatigue, but the cricketer is yet to make himself available for selections. Team India head coach Rahul Dravid previously stated that Kishan hasn’t played any First Class matches in recent times and that’s the reason, he hasn’t made his return to the national team in the ongoing five-match series against England. However, as per new reports, the 25-year-old himself refused to play the series against the Three Lions and was instead spotting training with Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya in Baroda.

As per ESPNCricinfo, the BCCI called him in the middle of the series against England and advised him to join the squad as KS Bharat failed to prove himself with the bat till then. However, the Bihar-born stated that he was not ready to play Test cricket, following which, the selection committee decided to give Dhruv Jurel his first breakthrough. The 23-year-old has done exceptionally well in the third and fourth Test of the series and is likely to retain his spot in the Test squad.

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Meanwhile, Kishan has been axed from his central contract. His recent behaviour questioned his professionalism, which led to him getting removed, retaining the annual understanding with the board. As things stand, it would be very difficult for the southpaw to make his return in any format of the game. If he manages to do remarkably well in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Patna-born cricketer might get considered for the upcoming T20 World Cup, but nothing seems guaranteed.

Kishan not playing Ranji Trophy for Jharkhand was also a massive shock to the BCCI officials. Head coach Dravid particularly asked the cricketer to play domestic cricket, but he didn’t pay heed to it. Later, BCCI secretary Jay Shah advised cricketers to play Ranji Trophy and other forms of domestic cricket but yet, the cricketer didn’t return to the field.

“The BCCI has recommended that all athletes give precedence to participating in domestic cricket during periods when they are not representing the national team,” the BCCI once again reminded the cricketers during the annual contract announcement.