Supporters argue that the player's off-time location is irrelevant, with claims that Kishan was in Dubai for his brother's birthday celebration.
Ishan Kishan’s absence from the Indian T20I squad raised eyebrows, especially after reports suggested he made himself available for selection for the Afghanistan series. Despite this, the BCCI opted for Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma. According to an Indian Express report, Kishan had requested to be excused from the South Africa Test series due to mental fatigue after being consistently on the bench. Subsequently, he was spotted partying in Dubai, which reportedly didn’t sit well with BCCI selectors and team management.
It’s claimed that Kishan initially sought a break after the ODI World Cup and later during the South Africa white-ball series, but his requests were denied. Finally, the BCCI agreed to his request to miss the Test series against South Africa, citing mental fatigue and a desire to spend time with family. Supporters argue that the player’s off-time location is irrelevant, with claims that Kishan was in Dubai for his brother’s birthday celebration.
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As the Afghanistan series marks India’s final outing before the T20 World Cup, concerns arise about Kishan’s potential exclusion for the mega event, given the increased competition for batting slots with the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. However, a strong performance for Mumbai Indians might force selectors to reconsider his T20 World Cup candidacy.
“He told the team management that he has mental fatigue because he had been on the road continuously and wanted to spend time with his family back home. Instead, he chose to travel to Dubai and was seen partying,” the paper quoted a source as saying.
Those close to the player countered the argument, saying it doesn’t matter where the player spends his off time. It was also claimed that Ishan went to Dubai to celebrate his brother’s birthday.
“When he has been given a break, how does it matter where he spends his time? He wants to be away from the game as constant travelling and warming the bench has taken a toll mentally. And he was in Dubai for his brother’s birthday celebrations,” the person said, defending Kishan.
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