Indian wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan, who has been considered a potential replacement for Rishabh Pant, has reportedly declined an opportunity to showcase his skills in the longer format of the game. Despite being drafted into the Indian team, Kishan has not received his Test cap thus far. The recent development reveals that he has opted out of the Duleep Trophy, which could have been a platform for him to press his case for Test selection. Abhimanyu Easwaran will now lead the East Zone team in the tournament, following Kishan’s decision.
Reports suggest that Ishan Kishan has chosen not to participate in the Duleep Trophy, thereby missing out on a chance to prove himself in first-class cricket ahead of India’s two-Test series in the West Indies. Despite being a potential contender for the captaincy of the East Zone team, Kishan has declined the opportunity. The East Zone selection committee inquired about his availability, but Kishan expressed his lack of interest in playing the tournament.
The exact reason behind Ishan Kishan’s decision to opt out of the Duleep Trophy remains unclear. There is no information regarding any injury concerns, leaving the selectors to speculate on his lack of interest in participating. As a regular member of the Indian team in white-ball cricket, Kishan’s absence in the longer format raises questions about his eagerness to press his case for a Test debut.
Despite being considered a strong contender for opening the batting in limited-overs cricket, Ishan Kishan is yet to make his Test debut. Calls for his inclusion grew after KS Bharat’s underwhelming batting performances in India’s home series against Australia. However, Bharat was chosen as the wicketkeeper for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, leaving Kishan on the bench as India suffered a defeat. Kishan’s decision to skip the Duleep Trophy further delays his opportunity to stake his claim in the Test team.
Following Ishan Kishan’s decision, the East Zone selection committee considered other options for the team’s leadership. Abhimanyu Easwaran was ultimately chosen to lead the side in the Duleep Trophy. However, when selectors reached out to Wriddhiman Saha as a potential candidate, he also declined the opportunity due to his diminished India aspirations. The East Zone will now proceed with Abhishek Porel as part of their lineup.
