Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra believes that the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) presents a golden opportunity for Ishan Kishan to reignite his career after being omitted from the BCCI’s central contract list for 2023-2024.
Kishan, 25, has been absent from the domestic circuit, citing personal reasons, despite not being on national duty since the tour of South Africa in December 2022. Chopra believes that this absence has fueled Kishan’s hunger to prove himself.
“Ishan Kishan will be hungry, as he has not got a central contract. This is the only thing he is playing. What else is he playing?” Chopra said in a YouTube video.
Chopra also highlighted Kishan’s absence from the recent Test series against England, emphasizing that the IPL provides him with a platform to showcase his abilities and potentially earn a recall to the national team.
“Either he has himself opted not to play, or he won’t be selected now. So this is his chance. If you make the IPL your own, you have chances of going forward. Then there is, of course, Wankhede’s flat pitch. The ball will come nicely onto the bat and go far,” Chopra added.
The BCCI’s decision to exclude Kishan from the central contract list has raised questions about his future prospects. However, Chopra believes that the IPL can serve as a catalyst for Kishan’s resurgence.
“This is a big opportunity for Ishan Kishan. He has to make the most of it. He has to score runs, win matches, and show that he is still a force to be reckoned with,” Chopra concluded.
