Ishan Kishan doubtful for Duleep Trophy opener due to injury
Ishan Kishan, the wicketkeeper-batter of Team D, is uncertain to participate in the opening match of the Duleep Trophy 2024 scheduled to take place in Anantapur on September 5. While the exact reason for Kishan's potential withdrawal remains undisclosed, it is understood that he might be nursing an injury. In his absence, Sanju Samson could be called up as a replacement.
Future participation in Duleep Trophy uncertain
The future involvement of Kishan in the Duleep Trophy, a four-day first-class tournament, is currently unclear. His potential return will also depend on whether he is selected for the Indian team's two-Test series against Bangladesh. Despite this uncertainty, there remains a chance that he could play in later stages of this six-match competition where each team will play three matches.
His recent performance in Buchi Babu tournament
Kishan recently represented his state team, Jharkhand, at the Buchi Babu tournament in Chennai. The wicketkeeper-batter, who featured in two games, led Jharkhand from the front in the opener against Madhya Pradesh. He struck a century and later bailed Jharkhand out in a tough run-chase. However, Jharkhand suffered a defeat in the second match, leading to their elimination from the tournament.
Kishan's disciplinary issues and potential return
Ishan, who scored an ODI double-century, eyes a return to international cricket. In February this year, the BCCI terminated the annual contracts of Kishan and Shreyas Iyer. The duo had been under the scanner after the BCCI mandated the contracted players to play First-Class cricket. Iyer was dropped for the final three England Tests and skipped the Ranji Trophy quarter-final, and Kishan had been on a personal break.
Other players missing from Duleep Trophy
In addition to Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav could also miss the multi-day red-ball Duleep Trophy due to a hand injury he sustained during the Buchi Babu tournament. He is currently recuperating at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, the BCCI has also pulled out all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and pacer Mohammed Siraj from the competition for different reasons.
