In recent developments, speculations loom over cricketer Ishan Kishan and his potential exclusion from the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) central contract. The young player has garnered attention over the past month following a mid-tour break during India’s tour of South Africa. While the BCCI supported his decision for the break, concerns arose due to Kishan’s limited game-time post the tour.
Despite coach Rahul Dravid emphasizing the need for Ishan Kishan to engage in cricket to secure a national team comeback, the player has been notably absent from the ongoing Ranji Trophy matches. Instead, he has been opting for individual training sessions. This absence has sparked discussions about Kishan’s future in Indian cricket, especially considering his Grade C annual contract worth Rs 1 crore.
Uncertain Future of BCCI Central Contract for Ishan Kishan: Insights from Board Official
Addressing queries about Kishan’s potential removal from BCCI retainers, an anonymous senior BCCI official disclosed, “No discussions have taken place as of now regarding central contracts.” This uncertainty surrounding Kishan’s contractual status raises questions about the board’s evaluation of players’ performances and commitments.
With the impending ICC T20 World Cup in the Americas scheduled to commence on June 1, and India’s first match set for June 5 in New York, the workload management of the core player group during the IPL becomes crucial. The IPL, tentatively scheduled between March 22 to May 26, holds significance as players’ form and fitness will directly impact their inclusion in the national squad for the World Cup.
Despite the importance of workload management, it appears that Indian players will not receive specific instructions in this regard during the IPL. This decision aims to maintain fairness to franchises investing substantially in star Indian players. However, a nuanced approach is expected for centrally contracted and targeted players, with the franchise’s support staff obligated to provide regular fitness updates to NCA Sports Science head Nitin Patel.
Amidst these considerations, there’s a potential plan for players whose teams do not qualify for the IPL playoffs to travel to New York earlier. In contrast, those participating in the knockout stages will join after the conclusion of the tournament. This strategic move seeks to ensure that players, regardless of their IPL performance, have ample time to prepare and acclimatize for the T20 World Cup.
As Ishan Kishan’s future hangs in the balance, these developments underscore the intricate dynamics of player evaluation, contractual obligations, and strategic planning as India gears up for crucial cricketing events on the global stage.
Also read: Report: Ishan Kishan to make T20 comeback through DY Patil Tournament in Mumbai
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