'Unfortunately, there isn't a slot': Ex-India captain's blunt verdict on Ishan Kishan

India's Ishan Kishan (AP Photo)

Former India captain and ex-chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth believes Ishan Kishan possesses all the attributes needed to succeed in Test cricket, but feels the wicketkeeper-batter is currently a victim of India's crowded red-ball setup. Kishan has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence over the past few months. After spending nearly two years on the sidelines, the left-hander forced his way back into India's T20I squad ahead of the World Cup and has now marked his ODI return with a stunning century against Afghanistan.

While Kishan's comeback in white-ball cricket has attracted widespread praise, Srikkanth feels the Jharkhand star is equally capable of making an impact in the longest format. "I am a great fan of Ishan Kishan. From nowhere he has made a comeback (into the Indian team) and he's just doing brilliantly. I like his game. The sheer quality of his stroke play, timing, power and effortless game. Ishan is an all-format player. Actually, he can play Test cricket too. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a slot," Srikkanth told PTI. Kishan's journey back into the national side has not been straightforward.

After losing his central contract in 2024 amid concerns over his participation in domestic cricket, the diminutive batter returned to the grind, working extensively on his game and featuring in domestic competitions, including the Buchi Babu Trophy. Srikkanth believes the tough stance taken by the BCCI ultimately benefited the player. "BCCI did a wise thing by asking him to go play domestic cricket, which has helped him a lot. Subsequently, he captained Jharkhand to Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy triumph." While discussing India's selection dynamics, Srikkanth pointed to another player he feels has not received enough opportunities across formats despite consistently proving his credentials. The former selector described Yashasvi Jaiswal as a complete all-format cricketer but believes the opener has been unfortunate to miss out on regular chances in white-ball cricket because of the intense competition at the top of the order. "For example, Yashasvi Jaiswal is an extraordinary cricketer. I think he is an all format cricketer. But he is only utilized in Test cricket. Even in the last match or series against South Africa, he scored a century in one of the one dayers. "And he has centuries in major Test playing countries like England and Australia. I think he is amazing in T20 cricket also. I think it's just his bad luck that he is forgotten for the shorter formats of the game," the 1983 World Cup winner said. According to Srikkanth, the abundance of top-order talent has made team selection increasingly difficult, particularly when it comes to opening spots. "That's the problem in the opening slot especially. It goes like a merry-go-round. Sometimes you are there, sometimes you are not there, sometimes somebody else fills in your place. You find it difficult to come back. That's part of cricket. But I think Jaiswal is an all-format player." Srikkanth also expressed concern over what he described as a lack of continuity in selections, arguing that strong performances are sometimes forgotten too quickly because of the relentless international calendar. "Unfortunately, what is happening is, some players get a chance and then sometimes they are forgotten also, which should not happen. There should be continuity. But unfortunately, what is happening also, too much of cricket being played.

So, we forget what happened in the last series also," Srikkanth said. Despite those concerns, the former chairman of selectors praised the current selection panel and its chairman

Ajit Agarkar

, while suggesting that more opportunities should be created for deserving domestic performers. "There are some players despite doing so well in domestic cricket, they don't find a place in the Indian side. I think that is one correction the selection committee has to make though Ajit Agarkar has been doing a brilliant job as a chairman. "But Test cricket is the ultimate format for any cricketer. So, in Test cricket, probably we will have to make some adjustments (change of approach)," Srikkanth said.