India head coach Rahul Dravid has opened up on Ishan Kishan’s comeback prospects after his team beat England in the Vizag Test today (February 5), saying the wicketkeeper-batter hasn’t yet resumed playing competitive cricket.

Kishan has been out of action since featuring in a T20I series against Australia at home after the 2023 World Cup . He was part of India’s white-ball squads that toured South Africa but didn’t play a game. Next, Kishan opted out of the two-match Test series against South Africa, citing “mental fatigue”.

While addressing the press following India’s comprehensive win against England in the second Test, Dravid emphasised that Kishan “needs to play some cricket” to be considered for selection. “There’s a way back for everyone,” Dravid said. “We don’t rule out anybody for anything. Ishan requested a break, and we were happy to give him a break. Whenever he is ready, he needs to play some cricket and come back.

“The choice is his. We aren’t forcing him to do anything. We’re in touch with him but he’s not yet started playing, so it’s not something we can consider [having him back]. He decides when he wants to be ready.”

Kishan, who was expected to play in the 2024 Ranji Trophy for Jharkhand to make a case for his selection, is yet to play for his state side. Consequently, he was omitted from the ongoing Test series against England despite being the first-choice wicketkeeper during India’s tour to the West Indies. India chose Dhruv Jurel as the wicketkeeping back-up for the first two Tests due to Kishan’s unavailability.

India won the second Test by 106 runs, riding on Jasprit Bumrah’s figures of 9-91 in the match. England were asked to chase a would-be record 399, but stumbled on the next day, getting bowled out for 292. The two sides head into the third Test with the five-match series levelled 1-1.

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