Ishan Kishan to lead Jharkhand in Buchi Babu Trophy: Details
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan is set to captain Jharkhand in the upcoming 2024 Buchi Babu Trophy, as per ESPNcricinfo. The pre-season red-ball tournament will commence on August 15 in Tamil Nadu. Initially not included in the original squad, Kishan will join his team in Chennai on Wednesday, marking his first step toward a full-fledged return to First-Class cricket.
Kishan's return to First-Class cricket confirmed
Kishan's decision to participate in the tournament was communicated to the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA), leading to his inclusion in the team. A JSCA functionary stated, "With Ishan, it was never about ability. It was only about whether he was ready to return." The moment Kishan expressed his keenness to return, he was promptly drafted into the squad.
Kishan has been away from domestic cricket
Kishan last played a domestic First-Class game in December 2022. He opted out of the Ranji Trophy toward the end of the 2023-24 domestic season, leading to his removal from the BCCI central contracts list. His Test debut occurred during India's tour of West Indies last year. He hasn't played a FC game since the second and final Test of that series.
Kishan's break from cricket and training with Pandya
Despite not participating in Ranji Trophy matches, Kishan used his break to privately train with Hardik Pandya in Baroda. This decision was not well-received by the selectors, who consider such factors when drawing up the BCCI central contracts list. Kishan lost his Grade C contract this year due to this and other considerations.
Kishan's reflections on his time away from cricket
In April, Kishan spoke about his break from cricket, stating, "When you take a break, people say a lot of things on social media. But I feel it's important to understand not everything is in players' hands. We can only make the best use of the break." Notably, he withdrew his participation for the 2023-24 away Test series against South Africa.
Test and FC numbers
Having played two Tests, the southpaw has scored 78 runs. Kishan slammed his highest score of 52* against the Windies in his short Test career. Overall, the 25-year-old owns 3,063 runs in 50 First Class matches at an average of 39.26 (50s: 17, 100s: 6).
