For the two-match Test series against South Africa starting on Tuesday in Centurion, Team India will be missing three players from their original squad. Ruturaj Gaikwad was ordered freed from the squad because of a broken-finger injury he suffered in one of this week’s ODIs. Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami, meanwhile, did not come along with his teammates to South Africa thanks to an injured right ankle that is still healing at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru The third, Ishan Kishan, however, pulled out of the race, citing personal reasons. Despite the lack of explanations in BCCI’s official statement, Ishan’s absence does have a reason behind it.
A report says that “mental fatigue,” caused by constant travel and not enough rest, has been the major factor behind Ishan’s decision. Such a break was also discussed with the selectors before it was granted, according to this report, in which they added that wicketkeeper-batter had asked for time off from cricket last week as he hadn’t stopped travelling over the course of an action-packed previous year.
A source reveals: “He told team management that his mind is tired, and he needs a break from cricket for some time. The decision won everybody’s agreement.”
Last week, the official BCCI statement before Ishan withdrew from contesting was that he had personal reasons for dropping out. That would have been his second Test series if not declared ineligible, having made his India debut against the West Indies in August last year. As such, the selectors named KS Bharat as his replacement.