Indian cricket’s recent turmoil revolves around the abrupt termination of contracts for Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan by the BCCI. The focal point of the controversy? Their apparent aversion to participating in national-level domestic tournaments, which led to their exclusion. Kishan, last seen in South Africa, took a break and skipped Ranji Trophy matches for Jharkhand. Meanwhile, Iyer, part of England’s initial Tests, faced exclusion after missing a Ranji game for Mumbai, citing fitness concerns.
In a curious turn of events, Kishan, during his hiatus, trained with Hardik Pandya but remained absent from crucial Ranji Trophy fixtures. Simultaneously, Iyer, claiming fitness issues, reportedly attended a Kolkata Knight Riders pre-IPL camp, raising eyebrows. BCCI’s chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, expressed his ire upon discovering Iyer’s dual commitments, questioning the sincerity of his reported back problem.
According to Revsportz, KKR’s management kept Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy coach informed about Iyer’s activities during this period. An insider revealed that Iyer, despite his reported back spasms, diligently worked on his fitness at the KKR Academy, gaining three kilograms of muscle in three weeks. The Mumbai Cricket Association and coach Omkar Salvi closely monitored his progress. Now, Iyer has made himself available for the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Tamil Nadu.
KL Rahul’s Unnoticed Absence
Amid the scrutiny surrounding Iyer’s Ranji absence, attention shifts to another star cricketer – KL Rahul. Currently sidelined from the India vs. England Test series due to quadriceps pain, Rahul sought treatment in London. However, the lingering question arises: when was the last time Rahul participated in a Ranji game? Critics point out that Rahul, too, is injury-prone, having missed several series and matches. The underlying sentiment suggests that players, being the best judges of their bodies, may opt for specialized treatments without facing the same scrutiny.
In the intricate world of cricket, controversies often unfold beyond the playing field. The ongoing saga involving Iyer’s contract termination sheds light on the challenges faced by players managing national and franchise commitments. As the cricketing fraternity awaits further developments, the unasked question surrounding Rahul’s absence adds another layer to the narrative. The unpredictable nature of injuries and players’ choices continues to be a talking point, reminding fans and critics alike of the complexities within the sport.
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