Ishan Kishan Did Not Play for His Place in the Team: Kris Srikkanth

Understanding the Controversy Around Ishan Kishan’s International Absence

The journey of Ishan Kishan in Indian cricket has been one of dramatic highs and frustrating lows. A player once seen as a dynamic match-winner, Kishan’s recent absence from India’s playing XI sparked debate among fans, experts, and former cricketers alike.

One voice that has drawn attention in this debate is former India captain Kris Srikkanth. Srikkanth’s comments on how players fight for their place in the team have reignited discussion around Kishan’s national prospects. This article explores why Ishan Kishan fell out of favour, what Srikkanth has said, and whether Kishan has done enough to earn a return to international cricket.

The Rise of Ishan Kishan: From Young Talent to International Star

Ishan Kishan burst onto the international scene with flashes of brilliance. Known for his aggressive batting and wicketkeeping skills, Kishan scored a memorable double century in an ODI against Bangladesh in 2022 — a performance that instantly elevated his reputation. Yet, despite this and other impactful innings, consistency remained a concern.

Kishan became a regular part of India’s white-ball setup through 2023, featuring in T20Is and ODIs. However, after November 2023 his presence in the team dwindled, and he did not feature in subsequent series — leaving fans puzzled and curious about the reasons behind his absence.

Why Did Ishan Kishan Lose His Place?

Personal Break and Selection Dynamics

One of the key reasons Ishan Kishan was not available for selection was that he took a break citing mental fatigue and personal reasons. This occurred during India’s tour of South Africa in late 2023 and was honored by the team management. However, after requesting and taking this break, Kishan did not immediately return to domestic cricket — a requirement selectors often emphasize for players aiming to regain their India spot.

Instead of playing in India’s domestic circuit right away, Kishan remained out of action for his state side, Jharkhand, for some time. This reportedly frustrated the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) because domestic performance often serves as tangible evidence of form and readiness to rejoin the national team. As a consequence, Kishan lost his BCCI central contract along with another senior player, Shreyas Iyer.

Competition for the Wicketkeeper-Batter Spot

The competition for the India wicketkeeper-batter role has intensified. Names like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, and emerging players such as Dhruv Jurel have all claimed attention with strong performances. With so many capable options, the selectors have had difficult choices to make — and unfortunately for Kishan, he did not always win the race.

Even when match opportunities opened up, Kishan was sometimes in the squad but did not make the final playing XI. This left many fans questioning whether he didn’t push hard enough for his place when given chances.

Kris Srikkanth’s Take: Did Kishan Fight for His Spot?

Srikkanth’s Larger Point

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has been outspoken on various aspects of Indian cricket selection in recent times. While much of his commentary has focused on other players and squad decisions, his general viewpoint underscores that players must seize opportunities and fight consistently to retain or reclaim their places.

Although Srikkanth has not directly blamed Ishan Kishan in any specific headline for “not fighting” for his spot, his tone in broader discussions about selection implies that if a player wants to be indispensable, they must not only perform but remain available and assertive — especially during challenging phases.

Srikkanth’s praise for players who deliver under pressure also serves as an implicit reminder: consistency matters, and selectors value players who show hunger for every opportunity.

Context from Srikkanth’s Commentary

In December 2025, Srikkanth talked about India’s T20 World Cup selections, showing surprise in some decisions but also supporting others. While his remarks were not exclusively about Ishan Kishan, they did reflect his belief that form and timing are crucial for selection.

This sheds light on his perspective: players who want to stay in the team must be ready, present, and in form — especially when competition is fierce.

Ishan Kishan’s Response and Comeback Efforts

Domestic and IPL Performance

Despite his international absence, Ishan Kishan has not sat idle. In domestic and franchise cricket, he worked hard to regain form. In IPL 2025 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kishan started strong by scoring a century early in the season — a sign of his class and intent — although his consistency varied over the tournament.

Kishan also led Jharkhand in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring big runs and helping his team win the title. After the victory, he spoke candidly about being ignored by India and how it initially hurt, but ultimately made him focus on working even harder for his team’s success.

Most recently, Kishan’s outstanding domestic performances, including significant contributions to team victories, helped him get included in India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 — marking a major comeback.

International Return and Opportunities

In early 2026, Ishan Kishan made his way back into the Indian lineup, featuring in T20Is — including matches against New Zealand. In these games, he capitalized on opportunities created by injuries or team strategy shifts, showing why selectors gave him another chance.

His performance in these outings suggests that when fit and focused, Kishan can be a valuable asset in India’s batting order.

What’s Next for Ishan Kishan?

Staying Available and Consistent

For Ishan Kishan to solidify his place in the Indian team, the path ahead is clear: stay available, perform consistently in domestic and international opportunities, and make the most of every chance.

Selectors often emphasize match fitness, domestic commitment, and on-field contribution — qualities Kishan has gradually demonstrated through his recent performances.

A Final Thought on Persistence

The saga of Kishan’s exclusion and comeback underscores a simple truth in competitive sport: talent opens doors, but perseverance keeps them open. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how Kishan builds on his recent return and whether he can make his place in the team truly unshakable.

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