Ishan Kishan was asked to reach NCA before West Indies tour for this reason

India wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan and some other contracted players will undergo strength and conditioning (S&C) related work at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru next week before the national team leaves for the Caribbean islands for a full tour. do. against West Indies. India will play two Tests, three ODIs and five One Day Internationals against the West Indies from July 12, for which the Rohit Sharma-led side will leave on July 3.

Normally, when there is a gap between two international series, centrally contracted and targeted players, who are not part of any domestic tournament, are called to the NCA to update on their fitness status.

With the Duleep Trophy set to be held entirely in Bengaluru from June 28 and the final to be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium from July 12 to 16, it has already been reported by PTI that Kishan has opted out of the first home raid of the season. opted for. Ball Tournament.

Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill are relaxed and ready for it #WTC23 Last! pic.twitter.com/8kgUpLwVDM– ICC (@ICC) June 5, 2023

As East Zone take on Central Zone in the first quarter-final at Alur in Bengaluru, the 24-year-old got an opportunity to play a game with the red ball ahead of the Indian team’s departure for the Caribbean tour.

The only game would have given Kishan a chance to push his case for selection in the Test team, especially as KS Bharath was struggling to make a mark with the bat.

But Kishan, who was being touted as India’s go-to wicketkeeper-batsman ahead of India in the WTC final, had opted out of the Duleep Trophy a few days ago and his decision is certain to play Test cricket and all formats. questions his will. India.

Although there is probably no one to challenge his spot as the second keeper in the Test team, Kishan’s decision to opt out is more due to a lack of options.

A source close to the cricketer said on Saturday, “Ishan has been a regular part of the Indian team since last December and took a short break when he returned from England after the World Test Championship final.”

“He will check into the NCA early next week and focus on his training and preparations for the West Indies tour, which he is expected to feature in,” the source added.

As far as workload management is concerned, there was a theory doing the rounds in some corners that if Kishan is not selected in the playing XI for the two Tests, he would go through a white-ball phase without any competitive game for two months. I will go

For the record, his last competitive match was against Mumbai Indians on 26 May and if he is not selected to play for the Tests, his next game will be the first ODI series against West Indies at Kensington Oval, Barbados on 27 July. Will happen.