Jay Shah Issues Stern Warning to Ishan Kishan: 'Comply with the Rules' Amid India Return Speculation

New Delhi: Indian cricketer Ishan Kishan has been included in the 61-player list for the first round of the 2024 Duleep Trophy, announced by the BCCI's selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar. This decision has sparked rumors about Ishan potentially making a comeback to the Indian national team. The prestigious domestic red-ball tournament is set to take place from September 5 to 24 in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, and at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium. It is seen as a crucial platform for selecting the Indian Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh. Despite the speculation, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has sent a clear message to Ishan, emphasizing the importance of performing well in domestic cricket ahead of any national team comeback.

Ishan has been absent from the Indian squad since December 2023, after he took a mental health break prior to the Test series in South Africa. Subsequently, he was left out of the BCCI’s central contract list in February, as he failed to comply with the board’s mandate requiring all Indian players to participate in the domestic season when not engaged in national duties.

Ishan, who made his return to competitive cricket during IPL 2024 for Mumbai Indians, was overlooked for both the T20 World Cup and the three subsequent white-ball series India played. However, after reportedly receiving counsel from the BCCI, Ishan made himself available for the upcoming domestic season. This decision has renewed the selectors’ faith in him, leading to his inclusion in the Duleep Trophy, which could pave the way for his return to the Indian squad for the Bangladesh series.

Ahead of Ishan’s much-anticipated return, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah delivered a clear message regarding Ishan’s potential comeback to the Indian squad, saying: “He will have to follow the rules. He will have to play domestic cricket.”

Ishan Kishan is currently participating in the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament, where he is leading the Jharkhand Cricket Association. On Friday, during day 2 of Jharkhand’s opening match against Madhya Pradesh, Ishan showcased his prowess by smashing an 86-ball century, eventually scoring 114 runs. His explosive knock helped his team surpass Madhya Pradesh’s first-innings total of 225. Marking his first appearance in red-ball cricket since his international debut for India in July 2023 during the West Indies tour, Ishan hit back-to-back sixes to reach his century and totaled nine sixes in just 39 balls.