Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan’s much-anticipated return to red-ball cricket has encountered a setback as he was ruled out of the Duleep Trophy opener for Team D due to a groin injury. This development has delayed Kishan’s comeback into the red-ball format, a platform where his presence has been keenly awaited. Kishan lost his central contract for the Indian cricket team owing to his lack of participation in Ranji Trophy and other domestic red-ball matches.
The star wicketkeeper-batter was expected to play for the Shreyas Iyer-led Team D against Team C in the inaugural match of the Duleep Trophy, which took place in Ananthpur. The news of his injury was announced through an official release from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on the eve of the tournament’s kick-off in both Bengaluru and Ananthapur.
“Wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the first round of the Duleep Trophy due to a groin injury sustained during the ongoing All-India Buchi Babu Tournament. The BCCI Medical Team is closely monitoring his condition and working towards ensuring a swift recovery,” the BCCI release stated.
Currently undergoing treatment at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, Kishan sustained the injury while representing Jharkhand in the Buchi Babu Tournament. Following the announcement of his unavailability, Kishan took to social media to share a video from the NCA, accompanied by a motivational quote, “Will it be easy. No. Worth it? Absolutely.” His message underlines his determination to recover quickly and make his return to competitive cricket. Kishan aims to get back in form and join the Duleep Trophy second-round matches scheduled to start on September 12.
Sanju Samson has been named as Kishan’s replacement in the Team D squad. Samson’s inclusion brings some solace to Team D, which already boasts an impressive list of players, including Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KS Bharat, and Arshdeep Singh. However, despite this formidable line-up, Team D faced an uphill battle on the first morning of the match in Ananthpur, often referred to as the ‘Perth of India’ due to its challenging pitch conditions.
. By lunchtime, the team was struggling at 76/7.
The pace bowling triumvirate of Team C, comprising Anshul Kamboj, Vijaykumar Vyshak, and Himanshu Chauhan, exploited the pitch conditions perfectly, making life difficult for Team D’s batsmen. Skipper Shreyas Iyer, an anchor for the team, was dismissed for just 9 runs, leaving a significant void in the batting lineup. Axar Patel, unbeaten on 20, was left attempting to hold the fort as Team C’s bowlers targeted an early finish to the innings.
This unexpected development adds another layer of complexity to Kishan’s career, especially after his exclusion from central contracts for not participating in significant domestic red-ball tournaments like the Ranji Trophy. His absence was keenly felt and noted by several cricket analysts and fans who anticipated his return to the red-ball format through the Duleep Trophy.
While Kishan recuperates at the NCA, the focus remains on how quickly he can recover and reintegrate into the competitive scene. The BCCI Medical Team’s involvement ensures that he is under expert supervision, and his recovery process is expedited. Kishan’s social media activity suggests that he remains optimistic and committed to making a strong comeback.
In the meantime, Sanju Samson’s role in Team D’s quest for victory becomes even more critical. His experience and skills will be put to the test as the team vies to overcome the early setbacks and make a significant impact in the Duleep Trophy. The Duleep Trophy, traditionally a prestigious tournament in Indian domestic cricket, serves as a crucial platform for players to make their mark and vie for national selection.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on both Ishan Kishan’s recovery and Team D’s performance. The cricketing community will be eagerly waiting to see if Kishan can bounce back and reclaim his spot, proving his mettle in the red-ball format. The upcoming matches will provide a clearer picture of Team D’s capability to navigate through adversities and Kishan’s journey back to fitness and form.
