Ishan Kishan says, ‘I appreciate competition, don’t take any concern about it’ regarding falling behind across formats

When it comes to confronting obstacles and rivalry on the path to his comeback, Ishan Kishan, who has lost favour when it comes to being selected for the Indian team, spoke up.

Prior to KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant’s injury recovery in the middle of 2023, the gifted wicketkeeper-batter was a consistent starter for India. Additionally, Kishan made his Test debut against the West Indies, where he earned a fifty-score. Rahul’s return for important tournaments like the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup, however, forced him to the bench, and things quickly became out of control over the following few months.

Kishan played the first three matches in the T20I series against Australia in November, but Jitesh Sharma took his place for the final two matches. In addition, the latter was the first-choice wicketkeeper for the South Africa tour that followed. Halfway through the South Africa trip, Kishan decided to go home and take a mental-health vacation. Even though the BCCI gave him precise instructions, the left-handed batsman did not play for his state team, Jharkhand, during the Ranji Trophy 2024. His exclusion from the list of players under central contract was later announced by the cricket regulatory body.

In order to send a youthful team to Zimbabwe for India’s five-match Twenty20 International Tour, the BCCI selectors chose to send wicketkeeper-batters Dhruv Jurel and Sanju Samson. As a backup to Samson, who missed the first two games due to injury, Jitesh was later brought to the team. Kishan, 25, stated he is up for the task and is eager to reclaim his spot in the squad, despite the fact that it is obvious he has dropped significantly in the rankings across all forms.

Re-observing Rishabh in action was encouraging. Competition is something you love, and playing against all the best cricketers in the world improves your game. Upon succeeding, you have a sense of accomplishment. It won’t be simple, I’m sure. However, it’s my belief that competition makes you feel good. That’s fun for me. On Sunday, Kishan told Indian Express, “I don’t take any stress about it.”

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“I want to compete in all three formats.” In T20Is, ODIs, and Tests, I’ve performed admirably. All three formats appeal to me,” he continued.

Afterwards, let’s see whether I succeed for Jharkhand. Ishan Kishan

While discussing his aspirations for the future, Kishan mentioned that he is eager to succeed in Jharkhand’s impending domestic season and that he is always trying to hone his art.

Maintain my fitness and get ready for next competitions. Future-focused thoughts are not on my mind too much. Right now is where I want to be. I’m just concerned with improving as a player and changing from the person I was six months ago at this point. I plan to improve my wicket-keeping and a few creative shots. Rather than dwelling on the past and future, these are the things that matter. When the domestic season begins, it is when I am waiting. “Let’s see what happens after I perform well for Jharkhand,” he remarked.