Ishan Kishan to captain Jharkhand in Ranji Trophy 2024-25. Will this season be a do or die for his revival on red-call cricket?
After being sidelined due to a lack of runs and alleged indiscipline, wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand, Ishan Kishan, is all set to make his comeback in the Ranji Trophy season 2024-25. The tournament is shaping up to be a defining moment in Kishan’s career, and he will be eager to seize this opportunity to make a compelling comeback. His international career, which once showed great promise, has stalled due to inconsistent performances, and as he prepares to lead his state team, this season presents a crucial crossroads for his cricketing journey.
Back as skipper of Jharkhand
Returning as the captain of the Jharkhand team, Kishan is set to make his presence felt starting October 11. His leadership role is especially crucial, given that he missed the previous season of the Ranji Trophy. The chairman of Jharkhand's selection committee, Subroto Das, has expressed strong faith in Kishan’s abilities, citing his experience and international exposure as key assets for a relatively young team. With notable players like Saurabh Tiwary, Shahbaz Nadeem, and Varun Aaron having retired, Kishan's leadership is crucial in steering the team through this transitional phase.
The rise and fall
Kishan’s rise in the cricketing world was nothing short of meteoric. He first caught the attention of selectors with his dynamic style and impressive scores in domestic cricket and later went up to play some fine innings in the blue jersey as well.
However, Kishan's journey has been turbulent. Following Rishabh Pant's unfortunate car accident, Kishan was poised as the primary wicketkeeper for India’s side for an extended period. Yet, after the ODI World Cup, he opted for a break, citing mental fatigue, which led to his withdrawal from the South Africa tour. This decision, while understandable, left him out of competitive cricket when he was needed most. Despite repeated calls from the BCCI to participate in domestic matches, Kishan remained aloof, choosing to play in the DY Patil tournament just before the IPL instead.
Upon his return to red-ball cricket, he dazzled fans and critics alike in a Buchi Babu fixture against Madhya Pradesh, scoring a brisk 114 runs. Following that, he showcased his skills in the Irani Cup, representing the Rest of India, where he made a solid impression. Most recently, during the Duleep Trophy, he scored a commanding 111 runs, reaffirming his capability to perform under pressure. These performances signal Kishan's intent to regain his place in the national team.
As a result, he found himself without a BCCI Central Contract, amplifying the pressure to perform in the upcoming Ranji Trophy. The importance of this season cannot be overstated. For Kishan, it serves as a golden opportunity to confront his recent shortcomings head-on and demonstrate that he is ready to return to the international arena.
The competitive landscape for wicketkeeper-batters in India is fierce, with the emergence of players like Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, and KL Rahul. Kishan's performances in the Ranji Trophy will be critical for him to stay relevant and ahead in this intense competition for a national team spot.
Time for redemption
Furthermore, this season offers Kishan a chance for personal redemption. Having endured a challenging period both on and off the field, a successful Ranji Trophy campaign could not only restore his confidence but also his standing within the cricketing community. It will be an opportunity for him to silence critics who have questioned his commitment and performance in recent times. A strong showing in this tournament can bolster his chances of making a comeback to India’s squad, especially with the upcoming assignment against Australia.
To maximise this opportunity, Kishan must focus on several key aspects of his game. Addressing technical vulnerabilities will be paramount, particularly his response to short-pitched deliveries. Improvement in his wicket-keeping is also essential, as he has faced some brickbats from the cricket experts. Consistent glove work and building a strong rapport with his bowlers will be critical as he leads his team in the Ranji Trophy.
Chance to be back in ‘Blue Jersey’
Looking ahead, the India cricket team's upcoming challenges add another layer of urgency to Kishan's situation. With a three-match Test series against New Zealand on the horizon, followed by the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, the competition for places in the squad is fierce.
While Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal are currently the designated openers, Kishan's versatility as a left-handed batter offers a unique option for the selectors. Moreover, the lack of left-handed opener alternatives in the squad makes his case even more compelling. Also, Kishan can serve as a capable middle-order option too.
Though Kishan's path back to India’s team is not guaranteed, his recent form in domestic cricket suggests that he is on the right track. A string of strong performances in the Ranji Trophy could greatly enhance his chances of being recalled to the national squad. He can position himself as not just a wicketkeeper but also a valuable asset to the batting line-up, whether at the top or in the middle order.
The 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season is a critical juncture for Ishan Kishan. With the stakes higher than ever, he finds himself under intense scrutiny from fans, selectors, and cricket analysts alike. This season is not merely about statistics or runs scored. It is about reclaiming his place in the cricket hierarchy and proving that he can bounce back from adversity.
A successful campaign could revive his international prospects and solidify his status as one of India’s premier wicketkeeper-batters. For Ishan Kishan, this is a chance to transform setbacks into a remarkable comeback, making it a defining moment in his career.
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