'I know I will just smack the bowlers when I get the opportunity again': Ishan Kishan 'hungry' for international return ahead of India 'A' series in Australia

Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan hasn't played any internatonal cricket in 2024 after flying back home from South Africa to take a break.

Sports Tak

• Tue • 29 Oct 2024

Ishan Kishan

Highlights:

Ishan Kishan scored a century in his previous Ranji Trophy 2024-25 appearance.

Kishan is waiting for an opportunity at the international stage.

Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has had a few ups and downs on the international stage since he made his debut in 2021. Kishan was under the spotlight when he returned home during South Africa tour to take a break from cricket. A few months later, he skipped Ranji Trophy and then went on to play Indian Premier League (IPL). He lost his central contract with the Board of Control of India (BCCI) as well. The fiery batter has taken steps towards his return too as he will represent India ‘A’ against Australia ‘A’ in two-match series ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Now, he is raring to make a comeback to international cricket.

“I feel very hungry right now and I know I will just smack the bowlers whenever I get the opportunity again. I am going to go all in. I am very hungry to get an international match. I know what happens in team meetings when someone makes a comeback to the team. How light banter happens and I am very excited about those things also. Whenever I get that opportunity, I am going to go all-in for sure,” Kishan told TOI.

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“I have grown up a lot in last few months. The way that I now look at this game... my perception about this game is very different from what I had before. The banter would continue... but now I know where to stop so that it doesn't disturb my game. I am in a more mature headspace now and the break taught me a lot about it. I was spending the most quality time of my life,” he added.

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Kishan to be tested by Australian pacers

Last year, Kishan made his red-ball debut in Rishabh Pant's absence against West Indies. After he opted for a break, Dhruv Jurel proved his mettle and is now the back-up wicketkeeper in the Test side. Kishan will be in action against Nathan McSweeney-led Australia A at Mackay, Great Barrier Reef Arena starting October 31. Australia A side includes a few prominent bowlers including pacers Scott Boland, Michael Neser and off-spinner Todd Murphy.

His most recent outing was against Railways in Ahmedabad. He scored 101 runs from 158 balls including 13 fours and two sixes as captain of Jharkhand.