Is BCCI being unfair to Ishan Kishan? Examining the young cricketer’s sudden exclusion

Ishan Kishan’s exclusion from the Indian cricket team roster has raised eyebrows and sparked debates among fans and analysts.

Once touted as a promising talent for the third spot in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Kishan’s sudden disappearance from the squad list has left many questioning the decision-making process of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Ishan Kishan’s references

Ishan Kishan has an impressive record in domestic cricket, often outperforming his peers. He has played more first-class and List A matches than many of his contemporaries, such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. His consistent performances have made him a strong contender for the national team.

Career statistics:

• First class matches: 48, Races: 2,805, Average: 38.96
• List A Correspondences: 81, Races: 2,997, Average: 37.91
• T20 Internationals: 24, Races: 652, Average: 28.34

Despite these numbers, Kishan’s name has been noticeably absent from recent team announcements.

Recent exclusion

Kishan’s exclusion from the squad for the South Africa tour raised questions. He cited mental health issues as the reason why he needed a break, but controversies later arose when he was seen partying during that time. This led to a backlash, and the BCCI later removed him from the annual contract list, alongside Shreyas Iyer.

BCCI Decision:

• The official BCCI stance is that Kishan should focus on domestic cricket to regain his fitness. However, Kishan has already played a significant number of domestic cricket matches, outperforming many of his peers.
• Kishan was replaced by Jitesh Sharma for the recent tours, a decision that was criticised given Sharma’s less impressive domestic record.

Comparisons and controversies

This situation is reminiscent of past instances where talented players from non-metropolitan areas felt left out compared to their counterparts from big cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Kishan, who hails from Jharkhand, seems to be facing a similar challenge.

Contemporary comparisons:

• Ruturaj Gaikwad: 37 first-class matches, 2,226 runs, average 38.37
• Shubman Gill: 34 first-class matches, 3,162 runs, average 52.70
• Rishabh Pants: 39 first-class matches, 2,927 runs, average 48.78

These players have been consistently favoured, while Kishan, despite his good performances, has been sidelined.

The need for adequate communication

A major issue that has come to light is the lack of communication between the BCCI and Kishan. Effective communication is essential to manage young talents, especially those who are facing mental health issues. The role of coaches and management is to guide and support the players, ensuring that they remain focused and motivated.

Expert advice:

• Analysts believe that young players like Kishan should be given more support from the BCCI. Proper mentoring could help them overcome their personal challenges and improve their game.
• Former players stress the importance of a transparent selection process and the need to address any biases that may exist within the system.

Conclusion

The curious case of Ishan Kishan’s exclusion from the Indian cricket team highlights several issues in the BCCI’s selection process and player management strategies. While fans and analysts are demanding more transparency and support for young talents, it remains to be seen how the BCCI will address these concerns.

Ensuring effective communication and fair opportunities for all players, irrespective of their regional origin, is essential for the future of Indian cricket.

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