Reports: Ishan Kishan's time out from cricket happened due to mental marathon

Ishan Kishan's unexpected withdrawal from the upcoming Test series against South Africa, citing personal reasons, had sparked curiosity among the cricketing fraternity. The BCCI's official statement lacked specifics, but according to a report by the Indian Express, mental fatigue stemming from incessant travel and limited game time appeared to be the underlying cause.

Sources reveal that the wicketkeeper-batter, feeling the strain of constant cricket and journeys over the past year, approached the Indian team management seeking a respite from cricket. After discussions with the selectors, he was granted the much-needed break. The revelation sheds light on the toll that relentless schedules can take a toll on players, emphasizing the importance of managing mental well-being in professional sports. 

“He informed the team management that he is having mental fatigue and wants a break from cricket for some time. Everyone agreed to it,” a source confirmed the Indian Express.

“Ishan Kishan has requested the BCCI to be released from the upcoming Test series against South Africa citing personal reasons. The wicketkeeper has subsequently been withdrawn from the Test squad. The men’s selection committee has named KS Bharat as a replacement,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah had stated in a press release.

Ishan Kishan’s constant shuffling within the squad

The 25-year-old's cricketing journey since January has been a tale of constant movement but sporadic appearances in the Indian team. Despite hitting the road early in the year, his stint with the national team lacked consistent playtime. Initially, he found himself in the shadows during the Border-Gavaskar series, and served as backup to Bharat, only managing a single appearance in the subsequent ODI series against Australia.

Post the IPL 2023 season, the southpaw's stint in England for the World Test Championship final saw him warming the bench. It wasn't until the West Indies tour that he secured consistent play, featuring across two Tests, three ODIs, and as many T20Is. His packed schedule continued with appearances in Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup, albeit with limited opportunities in the latter, playing only two games. Subsequent T20Is against Australia followed before the surprise of management favoring Jitesh Sharma over him in the South Africa T20I series.