India's wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan was on the receiving end of widespread criticism when he opted not to turn up for Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy 2023-24. Kishan who had taken a break from international cricket midway through South Africa tour due to mental fatigue made his comeback directly into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
Many former cricketers criticised Kishan for not giving preference to domestic cricket and choosing IPL over it. Months after the controversy led to him getting dropped from the list of centrally contracted players, Kishan revealed why he skipped domestic cricket.
“I took a break and I think it was normal. There is a rule that if you want to make a comeback you must perform in domestic cricket. It is as simple as that. Now, it was very different for me to play domestic cricket as it was not making any sense. I was not in a frame of mind to play and that is why I took a break from international cricket,” Kishan told Indian Express.
“It doesn’t make sense that you take a break from international cricket and then you go and play domestic matches. Fir toh aap international hi khelte (Then I could have continued playing for India).”
Only closed ones understood what Kishan went through
Kishan also revealed why he opted to take a break. The left-handed batter faced travel fatigue and realised that he was not feeling well.
“I was scoring runs and then I found myself on the bench. These things do happen in a team sport. But I experienced travel fatigue. It meant there was something wrong, I was not feeling well or right and so I decided to take a break. However, sadly, barring my family and few close people no one understood that,” the 25-year-old explained.
Kishan wants to play all formats
There were speculations that Kishan wanted to play just white-ball cricket. However, the Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter has clarified that he wishes to represent India in all formats.
“I see myself playing in all three formats. I have done well in T20Is, ODIs and Tests as well. I want to be part of all three formats,” the southpaw said.
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