Image Source: PTI
[Saba Sports News] Despite expectations and media reports indicating that the BCCI encouraged players to participate in domestic red-ball cricket, Ishan Kishan missed the final round of Ranji Trophy matches for Jharkhand that began on Friday. His continued absence from the Ranji Trophy, even though he’s not currently part of the Team India squad, has led to reports that the BCCI is considering making participation in a minimum number of Ranji games a prerequisite for inclusion in the IPL auction pool.
Kishan is presently focusing on preparations for IPL 2024, training in Baroda alongside Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya and former teammate Krunal Pandya, with the tournament expected to kick off in March.
Kishan isn’t the sole player absent from the final round of Ranji Trophy matches; Deepak Chahar and Shreyas Iyer also did not join their respective teams. It was reported that Iyer is dealing with lower back and groin issues and highlighted that the BCCI had specifically requested Kishan, Chahar, and Iyer to participate in the Ranji Trophy.
With Kishan’s team, Jharkhand, facing off against Rajasthan at home and Kumar Kushagra stepping in as wicket-keeper, the spotlight is on the BCCI’s forthcoming actions in response to Kishan and other players’ decision to skip Ranji Trophy.
According to sources, Kishan’s choice has been unfavorably received by the BCCI’s higher-ups, potentially prompting the introduction of stricter policies to ensure India’s cricketers prioritize domestic competitions over IPL commitments.