Ishan & Iyer sidelined? Experts say this!

• Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were removed from the central contract by the BCCI
• This came after the duo reportedly ignored Ranji games and are foccusing on the IPL
• Former players like Irfan Pathan and Ravi Shastri have backed Iyer and Ishan hoping for a comeback

Once upon a time there were two Indian cricketers who rose to fame and managed to win much appreciation but alas! Now they are sidelined? Yes, we are talking about a talented bastman Shreyas Iyer and equally capable wicket-keeper batsman Ishan Kishan. These two have been dropped from the central contracts by the BCCI. Obviously fans are not happy.

Let's first understand why these two players have been demoted. Ishan Kishan did not turn up for Jharkhand team throughout the team's campaign in Ranji Trophy despite not being on national duty. His last national stint was touring to South Africa in December. However, reports say he has instead focussed on preparing for the IPL next month. He is competing in the ongoing DY Patil T20 Tournament in Mumbai and will be turning up for the Mumbai Indians side in the upcoming season of IPL.

Likewise, Shreyas Iyer also 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, citing a groin injury. He, however, has been picked for the Ranji semifinals starting March 2 and will be back to lead Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL beginning on March 22.

So, the question here arrises - are they brushing aside Ranji? Surprisingly, former cricketers have something to say in this which also includes Hardik Pandya. For the unserved, Pandya, who has not featured in Tests since 2018, secured a place in Grade A. But is this enough? As Pandya is often associated more with the white-ball format.

Former India ]bowler & Irfan Pathan has questioned the BCCI's decision. "If players like Hardik don't want to play red ball cricket, should he and others like him participate in white-ball domestic cricket when they aren't on national duty?" he questioned. "If this doesn't apply to all, then Indian cricket won't achieve the desired results!" he added.

They are talented cricketers, both Shreyas and Ishan. Hoping they bounce back and come back stronger. If players like Hardik don’t want to play red ball cricket, should he and others like him participate in white-ball domestic cricket when they aren’t on national duty? If this…

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 29, 2024

He believes that the duo will come back strongly. "They are talented cricketers, both Shreyas and Ishan. Hoping they bounce back and come back stronger," Pathan said.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri also backed the embattled duo. "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 had posted on X.

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

In his career so far, Shreyas has played 14 Tests, 59 ODIs and 51 T20Is for India. He has a combined score of over 4,000 runs and has 6 centuries and 31 half-centuries under his belt. Meanwhile Kishan has represented India in 2 Tests, 27 ODIs and 32 T20Is and was believed to be a good alternative for Rishabh Pant. Kishan has made a total of 14 fifties and has an ODI century to his name as well.