Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer Excluded from Afghanistan T20Is Due to Disciplinary Reasons: Reports
In a surprising turn of events, wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan and middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer found themselves absent from India’s 16-man squad for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan, set to kick off on January 11. The exclusion of these key players raised eyebrows, especially considering their recent performances and contributions to the team.
Report Points to Disciplinary Issues
The news of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer’s omission created a buzz on social media platforms soon after the squad announcement. Fans and cricket enthusiasts were left speculating about the reasons behind their exclusion, as both players were expected to be part of the T20I setup.
A recent report from Bengali newspaper Anandabazar Patrika has shed light on the reasons behind the exclusion of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer. According to the report, the duo faced disciplinary action from the selectors, influencing their omission from the Afghanistan T20Is.
The report highlighted Ishan Kishan’s decision to opt-out of the Test series against South Africa due to personal reasons. However, selectors were reportedly irked when he was spotted partying with former India captain MS Dhoni in Dubai and later appearing on a popular TV quiz show. The selectors’ displeasure might extend to Ishan’s potential exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad, the report suggested.
Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion, as per the report, stems from the selectors’ dissatisfaction with his shot selection during the South Africa Test series. Additionally, they expected the 29-year-old batter to participate in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy campaign after returning home. Instead, Shreyas requested time off, a decision that did not sit well with the selectors, leading to his omission from the Afghanistan series.
Future Prospects for Rinku Singh and Shubman Gill
Despite being dropped from the T20I squad, Shreyas Iyer later made himself available for the Mumbai squad in the Ranji game against Andhra Pradesh, commencing on January 12. This move is seen as his bid for redemption and an effort to showcase commitment to domestic cricket.
The report emphasized that the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is adopting a strict approach toward players who do not prioritize Test and first-class cricket. While Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer faced disciplinary consequences, the selectors reportedly appreciated the dedication shown by Rinku Singh and Shubman Gill, hinting at possible opportunities in the traditional formats for the latter duo.
Rinku Singh and Shubman Gill’s hard work and commitment have reportedly earned them positive recognition from the selectors. The emerging talents might soon receive opportunities to showcase their skills in Test and first-class cricket, signaling a shift in the team’s strategy towards players dedicated to the longer formats.
