In a surprising turn of events, Indian cricket fans were left puzzled as Ishan Kishan, along with Shreyas Iyer, found themselves excluded from the 16-member squad set to face Afghanistan in the upcoming T20I series. The omission of these two promising players has sparked speculation and raised eyebrows across the cricketing community.
Ishan Kishan, who had earlier opted out of the two-match Test series against South Africa due to personal reasons, is now facing a setback for disciplinary reasons. Recent news reports suggest that the young cricketer has been left out of the squad due to his involvement in activities that the selectors deemed inappropriate. It’s been reported that Kishan faced backlash for partying with former captain MS Dhoni in Dubai and participating in the popular television show, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC).
This omission might have more significant consequences for Kishan. There are concerns that he could lose his spot in the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the USA and West Indies from June 1 to June 29. The selectors are reportedly taking a strict stance on discipline, and Ishan’s actions may have put his place in jeopardy.
Ignoring Ranji Trophy matches led to Shreyas Iyer’s omission
On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from the squad stems from a combination of factors. The selectors were reportedly unimpressed with Shreyas’ shot selection during the South Africa Test series. Additionally, they expected him to play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy after returning home, but the 29-year-old requested some time off instead. This decision did not sit well with the selectors, leading to his exclusion from the Afghanistan series.
However, in a surprising turn, Shreyas Iyer later made himself available and was added to the Mumbai squad for the Ranji game against Andhra Pradesh, starting January 12. The selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, are taking a stern approach towards players who do not prioritise Test and first-class cricket.
In contrast, Rinku Singh and Shubman Gill’s commitment has impressed the selectors, with Rinku Singh potentially earning a chance in the traditional format soon. The developments surrounding Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer have added an extra layer of intrigue to the Indian cricketing landscape, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the team’s performance against Afghanistan.
