‘Ishan requested a break’: Rahul Dravid clears the air
Virat Kohli won’t be playing in Thursday’s first Twenty20 international match against Afghanistan, India head coach Rahul Dravid said at the start of the customary press conference. When Dravid addressed the media prior to India against Afghanistan’s first-ever series opening in Mohali, he was also questioned about the decision to not choose wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan. The top batsman Shreyas Iyer was left out of India’s team for the three-match Twenty20 International Series, and the head coach of the team disclosed the reason.
For those who are unaware, Kishan had asked to be withdrawn from the Test series against South Africa by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), claiming personal reasons. Kishan was reportedly passed over for the Afghanistan series due to disciplinary issues. In the press conference, head coach David refuted rumours that Kishan was not selected, and he disclosed the true reason for the Indian gloveman’s exclusion from the T20I team.
“No, absolutely not (disciplinary issue). Ishan Kishan was not available for selection. Ishan requested a break, which we agreed on in South Africa. We supported it. He has not yet made himself available. I don’t think he has made himself available as yet. When he is available, he will play domestic cricket and make himself available for selection,” Dravid told reporters in Mohali.
No disciplinary reason for Iyer’s absence
Speaking about the peculiar situation involving Iyer, the former captain of India acknowledged that the middle-order batsman was unfortunately not included in the Indian team. In the two-match Test series against South Africa, Iyer had a forgettable performance. In the T20I series between India and the Proteas, the Mumbaikar hitter did not participate either. Prior to the England Test series, Iyer is scheduled to compete for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2024.
“Certainly, in Shreyas Iyer’s case, there is absolutely no disciplinary reason for his non-inclusion. It’s just that he missed out. There were a lot of batters in the team”, Dravid said. “Shreyas missed out, he didn’t play the T20Is in South Africa, if you noticed. They are a lot of batters and it’s not easy to fit everyone. So, absolutely, there is no disciplinary reasons at all. At least I didn’t discuss such things with the selectors,” Dravid added. Rohit’s Team India will meet Rashid Khan-less Afghanistan in the 1st T20I at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Thursday.
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