Ishan Kishan continues to oppose Rahul Dravid's directives, will not feature in Ranji Trophy

Ishan Kishan has been one of the rising stars in India over recent years. The left-handed batter is known for his aggressive style of cricket. But after sudden misunderstandings and miscommunication, the wicket-keeper batter has been out of the team for a few months now.

He took a break, citing mental fatigue during the South Africa tour. Ishan has not played for the side since the T20I series against Australia in November 2023, he left the side during the South Africa tour as well, citing a lack of availability for the Test series against the Proteas.

Ishan missed the T20I series against Afghanistan as well as the home Tests against England. Rahul Dravid, Team India's head coach, suggested last month that Ishan may return to the side after playing domestic cricket, but he later changed his mind during the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam earlier this week. As per Cricbuzz's recent development the 25-year-old is currently practicing in Baroda. 

He has been in the city for the past few weeks, utilising the facilities at the Reliance Stadium as he aims to make a comeback to the international side ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, but there is uncertainty regarding when he plans to resume competitive action. The batter will not be a part of Jharkhand's upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Haryana in Jamshedpur. 

Ishan Kishan practising with Hardik Pandya?

Dravid had said in the post-match press conference, "Whenever he is ready, I didn't say he has to play domestic cricket; I said whenever he is ready... he needs to play some cricket and come back. The choice is his. We are not forcing him to do anything. We are in touch with him."

The report also mentions that Ishan's continued absence has sparked speculations over its potential implications on his Indian Cricket Board central contract. Currently, he is in Grade C, where he receives an annual retainership of INR 1 crore. It further states that Ishan has been in the company of the Pandya brothers, and Hardik and Krunal are also at the training facility in Baroda.