Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer’s omission from the 30 awarded central contracts for the 2023-24 season has stirred discussions about their future in Indian cricket. The absence of these contracts doesn’t spell the end for their international careers, but it does pose challenges.
Despite not being in the contract roster, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, both talented players with age on their side, have avenues to regain their positions. The upcoming IPL 2024 offers them a platform to showcase their skills and stake a claim for national selection.
A BCCI source highlighted that if Kishan and Iyer return to the Indian team and meet the requisite match criteria, they could potentially earn their central contracts back. However, their commitment to domestic cricket, as advised by the board, remains crucial.
Factors Leading to Non-Renewal of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer’s Contracts:
The decision to exclude Kishan and Iyer from central contracts stemmed from their failure to participate in the Ranji Trophy as directed by the board. Kishan’s decision to prioritize IPL training over domestic cricket, despite withdrawing from national duty citing mental fatigue, raised concerns. Similarly, Iyer’s absence from Ranji Trophy matches, despite being declared fit by the NCA, reflected poorly on his commitment.
The BCCI’s emphasis on prioritizing domestic cricket during off-duty periods underlines the importance of aligning with board directives. Kishan and Iyer’s choices regarding their cricketing commitments influenced their exclusion from the central contract list.
While the path to reclaiming central contracts may seem challenging, Kishan and Iyer have the talent and determination to navigate through adversity. Their performances in forthcoming tournaments, notably the IPL, could be pivotal in securing their return to the national setup and reinstating their central contracts.
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