Check out the reason behind Ishan Kishan's withdrawal from South Africa vs India Test Series

India's wicketkeeper-batsman, Ishan Kishan had pulled out of the upcoming Test series between India and South Africa last week, citing 'personal reasons.' The news, shrouded in ambiguity, raised a lot of concerns and ignited speculations within the cricketing community. Now, it has emerged that the 25-year-old southpaw from Jharkhand stepped back because of mental fatigue induced by constant travel and limited playing time over the past year.

According to a report in The Indian Express, Kishan had requested the Indian team management for a break from the game after being on the road constantly for the past one year. “He informed the team management that he is having mental fatigue and wants a break from cricket for some time. Everyone agreed to it,” as per a report by The Indian Express.

Kishan's decision shines a light on the under-acknowledged mental strain professional athletes face. Between the IPL, international tours, and domestic commitments, he has been on a non-stop carousel. While playing for India is an honor, the relentless schedule and constant pressure to perform can take a toll on the mental health of the players.

Kishan's case an eye-opener for the Board?

Kishan's case isn't unique. Cricketers like Glenn Maxwell and Ben Stokes have openly discussed about the struggles regarding their mental health amidst busy schedules. This raises a concern if the cricket boards are doing enough to protect players' well-being? Kishan's withdrawal forces us to rethink player management. There is a need for schedules to be tweaked to offer adequate rest and combat burnout. The teams must also have robust support systems for their players' mental health.

While a packed up calendar may boost revenue, ignoring player well-being can be even more costly. Injuries, form slumps, and, as Kishan's case shows, mental fatigue can be the consequences of pushing players past their limits. His decision, though disappointing for the Test series, is a wake-up call. It's a reminder that behind the thrilling performances, there's a human grappling with pressure. It's a plea for a system that prioritizes players' well-being as much as their skills.