Ishan Kishan, one of the most talented wicket-keeper batters in the Indian team, is in the midst of a challenging period that has spanned the last six months. His professional journey has faced a significant detour; he lost his place in the Indian team across all three formats and was excluded from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) central contract. Ishan’s last appearance for the Indian side came back in December of the previous year, during India’s tour of South Africa. The journey to reclaim his position has been arduous and emotionally taxing.
The dynamic left-hander opted to take a break from the tour due to mental fatigue, a decision that has since left him absent from the national squad. Despite showcasing his talent in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 with the Mumbai Indians, Ishan was not picked for the recent Zimbabwe tour. This absence has sparked concern and discussion among cricket fans and experts alike, who are keenly anticipating the return of the young star.
In an exclusive interview with the Indian Express, Ishan Kishan laid bare his feelings about being dropped from the Indian team and how he is grappling with the exclusion from the central contract. Speaking with a mixture of determination and vulnerability, Ishan expressed, “I don’t want to be sad about anything. I’ll keep giving my best.” His words underscore his resolve to remain optimistic and hungry for a comeback.
The road has been far from easy, as Ishan candidly admitted that the setbacks have had a considerable impact on his morale. Yet, the 25-year-old remains unwavering in his pursuit to overcome these obstacles. “It was depressing,” he acknowledged. “Today I don’t want to say that everything was fine. It was not easy for me at all. You go through a lot. Mere dimag mey ye sab chalta raha ki yaar kya hoga gaya, kyu ho gaya, mere saath kyu (Questions like what happened, why me). All these things happened when I was performing,” he said.
Elaborating on his decision to take a break, Ishan pointed out that it was predominantly due to travel fatigue. However, he also admitted to feeling mentally unsettled. The real struggle, he mentioned, was in communicating this need for rest to those outside his close circle.
. “I was scoring runs and then I found myself on the bench. These things do happen in a team sport. But I experienced travel fatigue. It meant there was something wrong, I was not feeling well or right and so I decided to take a break. However, sadly, barring my family and few close people, no one understood that.”
Despite the hiatus, Ishan remains focused on the process of making a comeback. He articulated a clear understanding of the criteria for re-entry into the national fold, which hinges on performance in domestic cricket. “I took a break and I think it was normal. There is a rule that if you want to make a comeback, you must perform in domestic cricket. It is as simple as that. Now, it was very different for me to play domestic cricket as it was not making any sense. I was not in a frame of mind to play, and that is why I took a break from international cricket. It doesn’t make sense that you take a break from international cricket and then you go and play domestic matches. Fir toh aap international hi khelte (Then I could have continued playing for India),” he asserted.
Kishan’s candid revelations have shed light on the lesser-known struggles players often face behind the scenes. While the limelight usually captures their successes on the field, the emotional and mental battles remain cloaked in personal shadows. His story emphasizes the importance of mental health and how critical it is for athletes to take necessary breaks.
As cricket fans and experts continue to debate and dissect Ishan’s absence, the wicket-keeper batter’s commitment to returning stronger is evident. His journey reflects not only his personal resilience but also raises pertinent questions about the expectations and pressures placed on professional athletes.
In conclusion, Ishan Kishan’s struggle and determination serve as a powerful reminder of the multifaceted challenges athletes face. As he remains focused on reclaiming his spot in the Indian team, the cricketing world watches with bated breath, hoping to see him don the national colors once again. His journey, marred by setbacks but driven by hope and hard work, is a testament to the unyielding spirit of sportsmanship.
