R Ashwin Credits Ishan Kishan's T20 World Cup Selection to Respect for Cricket

Ishan Kishan's journey back to the Indian T20 World Cup team wasn't easy. After falling out of favor in 2023 and spending months away from the national squad, his recent performances have forced selectors to take notice. A stellar Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign proved instrumental in his resurgence. Kishan captained Jharkhand, leading them to their first title ever in the competition. Scoring 517 runs in 10 matches with an impressive strike rate of 197, his match-winning 101 off 49 balls against Haryana in the final showcased his impact.

While the numbers speak volumes, Ravichandran Ashwin emphasized the attitude Kishan displayed during his time away from the national team. In a video on his YouTube channel, Ashwin explained that Kishan's return was well-deserved. "Cricket has rewarded Ishan Kishan," said Ashwin. He added that while external opinions may vary on the circumstances of his exclusion, Kishan's dedication to the sport paved the way for his comeback. Ashwin noted that Kishan viewed domestic cricket not as a demotion, but as a necessary step back to the national stage. "He even participated in the Buchi Babu Invitational tournament," Ashwin pointed out, highlighting Kishan's commitment by playing in Chennai for Jharkhand. Following that, Kishan remained involved in Jharkhand’s Ranji Trophy preparations and capitalized on opportunities.

Ashwin stated, "He was present for Jharkhand, prioritized preparation, and scored runs in first-class cricket. He captained Jharkhand in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and delivered exceptional performances. This is the reason for his selection." Addressing speculation regarding Kishan's exclusion from the team and central contracts in 2023, Ashwin refuted suggestions that external factors influenced his return. "This isn't about Ishan Kishan the individual," Ashwin clarified. "It's about Ishan Kishan the cricketer who put in the work, showed respect for the game, and ultimately achieved success."