BCCI Issues Strict Ranji Trophy Mandate Amid Ishan Kishan Row: Report

India wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan has been training with Hardik and Krunal Pandya in Baroda instead of playing for Jharkhand in Ranji Trophy.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly issued a strong mandate to its players who are not part of international assignments or undergoing rehab at the National Cricket Academy. The board wants all the fit players, not playing for the senior national team, to feature in the Ranji Trophy for their teams. The verdict comes from the Indian board amid the ongoing debate around the situation of wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan who remains reluctant to play in the Ranji Trophy despite being fit.

Since leaving the South Africa tour midway, owing to mental fatigue, Ishan hasn't featured in any competitive cricket match. He was last seen practicing with his Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya at the Reliance Stadium. 

Despite there being a clear directive from Team India head coach Rahul Dravid to play 'some sort of cricket', Ishan continues to play by his own rules. The player reportedly decided to train in Baroda instead of playing for his state team, Jharkhand, in the Ranji Trophy. The decision is said to have left many in the BCCI upset.

After the directive from the BCCI, Ishan, training in Baroda at present, is expected to play for his home state Jharkhand against Rajasthan in Jamshedpur.

The likes of Krunal Pandya and Deepak Chahar, who have not featured in Ranji Trophy matches, are also expected to follow suit. The rule applies to senior players like Shreyas Iyer, who was not picked for the last three Tests against England, too.