The Indian cricket team has made another adjustment to their squad before the two Test match series in South Africa. Ishan Kishan has withdrawn for personal reasons, with KS Bharat named to take his place. The 30-year-old will join the team as a wicketkeeper, as India tries for its first series win over South Africa on the road.
On Sunday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced:
“Mr Ishan Kishan has requested the BCCI to be released from the upcoming Test series against South Africa citing personal reasons. The wicket-keeper has subsequently been withdrawn from the Test squad. The Men’s Selection Committee has named Mr KS Bharat as a replacement.”
???? UPDATE ????: Ishan Kishan withdrawn from #TeamIndia’s Test squad. KS Bharat named as replacement. #SAvIND
Details ????https://t.co/KqldTEeD0T— BCCI (@BCCI) December 17, 2023
Kishan made his Test debut earlier this year during the West Indies trip, scoring 78 runs in two Tests, with a top of 52*.
In the Caribbean’s difficult pitches, the youngster’s glovework was also good. Kishan’s announcement was ruled out after Mohammed Shami had the same fate owing to fitness difficulties.
KS Bharat fails to impress with the bat in Test cricket
KS Bharat made his debut in Test cricket against Australia on home soil earlier this year.
While the 30-year-old was impressive behind the wickets, he failed to make an impact with the bat. The Andhra Pradesh keeper-batter scored 129 runs in five matches, with a top score of 44.
Team India also put their trust in him by selecting him for this year’s World Test Championship final against Australia, although he only made 28 runs in two innings.
Given that Rishabh Pant is expected to return to the Test side after the IPL 2024, the series against the Proteas might be the right-handed batter’s final chance to make an impression in Test cricket for a time.
If Pant is healthy, he will be the undisputed pick of the selectors to play in the Test team.