‘Unfortunately, there is no room’: Former India skipper’s frank verdict on Ishan Kishan | Cricket news
Believes former India captain and former chief selector Krishnamachari Srikanth Ishan Kishan He has all the attributes needed to succeed in Test cricket, but feels the wicket-keeper-batsman is currently a victim of India’s crowded red-ball setup.Kishan has enjoyed a remarkable renaissance over the past few months. After spending nearly two years on the sidelines, the left-hander returned to India’s T20I squad ahead of the World Cup and has now marked his ODI comeback with a stunning century against Afghanistan.While Kishan’s return to white-ball cricket has attracted widespread praise, Srikanth feels the Jharkhand star is equally capable of making an impact in the longest format.“I am a huge fan of Ishan Kishan. He came back from nowhere (in the Indian team) and is doing fantastic. I love his game. The sheer quality of his batting, his timing, his power and his effortless playing. Ishan is an all-rounder. In fact, he can play Test cricket as well. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have a place,” Srikanth told PTI.Kishan’s journey back to the national team was not easy. After losing out on his central contract in 2024 amid concerns over his involvement in domestic cricket, the youngster has returned to the field, working extensively on his game and taking part in domestic competitions, including the Buchi Babu Trophy.Srikanth believes the tough stance he has taken Bank of Credit and Commerce International The player eventually benefited.“BCCI did a wise thing by asking him to go play domestic cricket, which helped him a lot.After that, he led Jharkhand to win the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.While discussing the dynamics of selection in India, Srikanth pointed out another player who feels he has not been given enough opportunities in various competitions despite consistently proving his credentials.Description of the previous determinant Yashavi Jaiswal As a complete cricketer in all formats but believes the opener was unfortunate to miss out on regular opportunities in white-ball cricket due to stiff competition at the top of the order.“For example, Yashasvi Jaiswal is an exceptional cricketer. I think he is an all-format cricketer. But he is only used in Test cricket. Even in the last match or series against South Africa, he scored a century on one of the odd days.”“And he has centuries in major Test countries like England and Australia. I think he is amazing in T20 cricket as well. I think it is his misfortune that he has been forgotten because of the shorter formats of the game,” the 1983 World Cup winner said.According to Srikanth, the abundance of quality talent has made team selection increasingly difficult, especially when it comes to opening positions.“That’s the problem with the opening slot especially. It’s like a merry-go-round. Sometimes you’re there, sometimes you’re not there, sometimes someone else fills in for you. You find it difficult to get back. That’s part of cricket. But I think Jaiswal is an all-rounder.”Srikanth also expressed concern about what he described as a lack of continuity in selections, arguing that strong performances are sometimes forgotten too quickly due to the harsh international calendar.“Unfortunately, what happens is that some players get a chance and then they are sometimes forgotten as well, which shouldn’t happen. There has to be continuity. But unfortunately, what also happens, is too much cricket is played.” So, we forget what happened in the last series as well,” Srikanth said.Despite these concerns, the former chair of the selection committee praised the current selection committee and its chair Ajit Agarkarsuggesting that more opportunities should be created for deserving local performers.“There are some players who despite performing well in domestic cricket, do not find a place in the Indian side. I think this is one of the corrections that the selection committee needs to make even though Ajit Agarkar has been doing a great job as chairman.“But Test cricket is the ultimate form for any cricketer. So, in Test cricket, maybe we will have to make some adjustments (change the approach),” Srikanth said.
