Since the conclusion of India’s three-match T20I series against South Africa, India’s young batter Ishan Kishan has registered his absence from team India, leaving many pondering the reason behind his absence. Ishan Kishan had opted out of national duties to take a break from cricket. Ishan Kishan had asked the management for some time off that management had agred to, but there still has not been the return for Kishan to the team.

Kishan, Known for his aggressive style and ability to play big knocks, was last seen in action during India’s three-match T20I series at home against Australia, however, he hadn’t played any game in that series. Indian head coach Rahul Dravid, who was asked about Kishan’s absence after India won their second Test match against England on Monday in Vizag, said ‘the choice is his, whenever he’s ready’.

“There's a way back for anyone and everyone. It's not that we rule out anybody from anything. I just don't want to go on labouring about the Ishan Kishan point. I've tried to explain it as best as I can. The point was that, you know, he requested a break. We were happy to give him the break and whenever he was ready… I didn't say he has to play domestic cricket. I said, whenever he's ready he needs to play some cricket and come back, and the choice is his,” Dravid said during the post-match press conference. 

In India’s ongoing five-match Test series against England, India have gone with KS Bharat and Dhruv Jurel in the form of wicket-keepers with additional service of wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul. Bharat has played both Test for India. 

“We're not forcing him to do anything and we are in touch with him. It's not that we're not in touch. We know what it is, but he hasn't yet started playing, right? So, at the moment, it's not something that we would consider because, you know, he's maybe not ready. He decides when he wants to be ready and we've got options obviously with Rishabh [Pant] injured and stuff. So I'm sure the selectors will weigh all the options."