After media mudslinging, Sunil Gavaskar defends Ishan Kishan and says, ‘Don’t spoil a young man’s name’
The fiasco of Ishan Kishan has taken a new form. The young keeper hasn’t featured yet again for Jharkhand’s Ranji Trophy match. Despite being advised by Rahul Dravid, Kishan has now skippered three Ranji Trophy matches on a trot. Former skipper of India Sunil Gavaskar, however, has defended the 25-year-old. Gavaskar has further mentioned that the media should get their facts correct and not speculate about the player.
Ishan Kishan returned home midway through the South Africa series. The official reason that the BCCI gave was the player returning, citing ”personal reasons." Reports went on to claim that the player needed a mental break after incessant travel with little gametime. There were reports again that the player was sent back for indiscipline.
But India head coach Rahul Dravid dismissed the rumors of indiscipline. He further advised the player to play the Ranji Trophy to get back in shape and fight for his spot in the team. But Ishan Kishan remains missing. In fact, the player failed to receive his call-up for the 2 IND vs. ENG Test series.
Sunil Gavaskar wrote, “It’s early days, of course, and one doesn’t know when Ishan Kishan, who asked to be allowed to go home from South Africa, is going to make himself available again. Rahul Dravid, the coach of the team, has very clearly said that he has to play in the Ranji Trophy and show his form to be considered for selection.”
He added, “Dravid also very categorically and firmly debunked the rumors that Kishan was left out because of disciplinary reasons. Hopefully, that will set the matter to rest and not further sully a young man’s name, which was done by some ill-founded speculation after his name was found missing in the Indian squad for the first two Test matches against England.”