Dynamic Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan marked his much-anticipated return to competitive cricket during the DY Patil T20 Cup 2024, showcasing his skills on February 27 (Tuesday). Representing the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) team, Kishan took to the field against Route Mobile Limited at the prestigious DY Patil University Grounds in Navi Mumbai. Notably, Kishan resumed his role behind the stumps, donning the wicketkeeping gloves as his team fielded first following Route Mobile Limited's decision to bat.
Ishan Kishan flops with the bat
Chasing a target of 193 runs, the left-handed batter Ishan Kishan opened the innings for RBI and failed to convert his start into a significant knock. Kishan faced 12 balls and scored 19 runs with the help of two fours and a six before Maxwell Swaminathan dismissed the Indian batter.
Kishan returns to cricket after 3 months
The RBI squad boasts a stellar lineup, including Shahbaz Nadeem, Amit Mishra, Ankit Rajpoot, Dhruv Shorey, and Riyan Parag, with Kishan adding significant value to the team's composition. This match marked Kishan's return to the cricketing arena after his last appearance for India in a T20I match against Australia in November 2023. Post that, Kishan had stepped away from India's tour of South Africa, citing mental health concerns, which raised discussions about the importance of mental well-being in sports.
Kishan had been training alongside Hardik Pandya
Despite the hiatus and missing out on Jharkhand's Ranji Trophy campaign, Kishan has been actively preparing for the upcoming IPL season, notably training in Baroda alongside Mumbai Indians' stalwarts Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya. India's head coach, Rahul Dravid, has expressed that the path back to the national team for Kishan involves getting back to playing cricket.
With the 2024 T20 World Cup on the horizon, Kishan's efforts in the IPL 2024, where he will once again represent Mumbai Indians, will be closely watched by selectors and fans alike. His journey back to form and fitness through competitive cricket could pave the way for his return to the national setup, making every match and innings he plays a step toward reclaiming his spot in Team India.
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