Seems like the entire universe is not against Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan. Amidst the raging controversy, f ormer India coach Ravi Shastri on Wednesday backed the Indian batters to come back stronger after they were excluded from the BCCI central contracts for ignoring the board's directive to play in the Ranji Trophy.
The BCCI Wednesday unveiled its centrally-contracted players for this year and the duo were not considered in any category.
"In the game of cricket, comebacks define the spirit. Chin-up, @ShreyasIyer15 and @ishankishan51! Dig deep, face challenges, and come back even stronger. Your past achievements speak volumes, and I have no doubt you'll conquer once again," Shastri tweeted.
In the game of cricket, comebacks define the spirit. Chin-up, @ShreyasIyer15 and @ishankishan51! Dig deep, face challenges, and come back even stronger. Your past achievements speak volumes, and I have no doubt you'll conquer once again.
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) February 28, 2024
The 25-year-old Kishan did not turn up for Jharkhand throughout the team's campaign in the Ranji Trophy despite not being on national duty since leaving from the tour of South Africa in December last, citing personal reasons.
FULL REPORT | Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan dropped from BCCI central contracts
He has instead focussed on preparing for the IPL next month.
Iyer did not make himself available for Mumbai's Ranji quarterfinal against Baroda after being excluded from the Indian team following the second Test against England.
He, however, has been picked for the Ranji semifinals starting March 2.
Lauding the board, Shastri said, "Big applause to @BCCI and @JayShah for the game-changing move with 'fast bowling' contracts. A crucial step in gearing up for Down Under later this year. The emphasis on Test Cricket and Domestic Cricket is a powerful message, setting the right tone for the future of our beloved sport!"
While announcing the central contracts, the BCCI once again advised all the Indian cricketers to play domestic games when not on national duty.
The exclusion of Iyer and Kishan can be seen as a stern message to young players unwilling to put in the hard yards in first-class cricket while chasing white-ball glory and lucrative IPL contracts.
