He needs to play some cricket before we can consider him: Rahul Dravid on Ishan Kishan’s return from break

India registered an enormous win in opposition to England within the second match on Monday to degree the five-match Test sequence to 1-1. England’s second innings collapsed on 292 whereas chasing a 399-run goal on Day 4 in Visakhapatnam as Indian bowlers proved too sturdy for Bazball. 

Now focus turns to the subsequent match in Rajkot beginning on February 15 however before that everybody is ready on the announcement for the staff India’s squad for the remaining three matches. The BCCI is predicted to announce the squad within the coming days with a spotlight on Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja‘s return.

However, the query stays on the wicketkeeping selection for the third sport after a flop present from KS Bharat within the first two matches. Bharat has scored 92 runs in 4 innings within the ongoing sequence and is but to register a fifty in 12 Test innings of his profession.

With Rishabh Pant nonetheless recovering, Ishan Kishan’s identify has emerged because the wicketkeeping possibility. Ishan made his Test debut in July 2023 in opposition to West Indies and was spectacular with a bat in two matches. However, he was a part of the red-ball staff for the latest South Africa tour however later withdrew his identify citing a break.

The 25-year-old wicketkeeper batter final performed a aggressive cricket in November 2023 throughout a T20I sequence in opposition to Australia at house. Prior to the England sequence, head coach Rahul Dravid had stated Ishan would make his return to the nationwide staff after taking part in some home cricket however the Jharkand batter hasn’t featured in any of his staff’s 5 Ranji Trophy matches this yr.

When requested in regards to the participant’s return from the break, Dravid highlighted that Ishan needs to play some cricket before the administration can consider him straight again within the nationwide staff. Dravid additionally added that Ishan will determine on his return from break however the administration is in touch with him.

“There’s a way back for everyone,” Rahul Dravid stated within the post-match press convention in Visakhapatnam on Monday. “We don’t rule out anybody for anything. Ishan, requested a break, and we were happy to give him a break. Whenever he is ready, he needs to play some cricket and come back. The choice is his. We aren’t forcing him to do anything. We’re in touch with him but he’s not yet started playing, so it’s not something we can consider [having him back]. He decides when he wants to be ready.”