The recently announced Indian squad for the T20I series against Afghanistan sparked curiosity as young talents Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer found themselves absent.
While Ishan Kishan’s break from cricket was initially attributed to mental health concerns, a new revelation suggests disciplinary issues played a role.
Media reports now claim that Ishan Kishan’s attitude has irked selectors, leading to his omission. Despite being part of the Test squad against South Africa, Kishan returned home before the series citing personal reasons.
However, his subsequent participation in social events and a TV quiz show drew criticism. Allegedly, selectors viewed this as a breach of discipline, resulting in his exclusion.
On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion is attributed to poor shot selection during the Test series in South Africa. Dissatisfied with his performance, selectors have advised him to focus on rectifying his technique in first-class cricket.
Iyer has been enlisted in the Mumbai team for the Ranji Trophy match against Andhra Pradesh starting January 12. The selection committee reportedly aims to instill a sense of seriousness towards Test and first-class cricket among players.
While Ishan Kishan’s partying with former captain MS Dhoni post his return from South Africa raised eyebrows, Shreyas Iyer’s struggle with shot selection during the Test series has brought scrutiny. The selection committee, impressed by Rinku Singh’s dedication, hints at his possible inclusion in the Test squad.
Amidst concerns about player discipline, some argue that cricket, being a high-pressure sport, should allow players a degree of personal freedom, emphasizing performance over off-field activities.
