Ishan Kishan, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter, has signed a short-term deal with Nottinghamshire to play in two County Championship matches, a move that comes after he was not selected for India's Test series against England. The 26-year-old will replace South Africa's Kyle Verreynne in the Nottinghamshire side while Verreynne is away on international duty for a two-Test series against Zimbabwe.
Kishan's stint with Nottinghamshire offers him an opportunity to revive his red-ball career after a period of uncertainty surrounding his commitment to Test cricket. He will be available for selection for Nottinghamshire's matches against Yorkshire and Somerset.
This move marks Kishan's first experience in English county cricket, having spent his entire first-class career in India. He has accumulated 3,447 first-class runs in 58 matches, including eight centuries and 17 half-centuries. He has also recorded 118 catches and 11 stumpings behind the wicket.
Kishan expressed his excitement about playing county cricket in England, stating that it would be a great chance to showcase his skills and learn new skills in English conditions. He also mentioned that he is excited to play at Trent Bridge, a famous ground well-known in India and around the world.
Nottinghamshire head coach Peter Moores acknowledged Kishan's capabilities, stating that he brings proven quality to the team as a hard-hitting middle-order batter. He also added that this spell will be beneficial for Kishan as he is still developing his red-ball game.
The timing of Kishan's county stint is particularly interesting, as it coincides with India's Test series against England. While he was named in the India A squad that toured England, the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have created a state of flux in India's lineup. A successful stint in county cricket could position Kishan as a potential reinforcement should India need to call upon him.
Ishan Kishan made his international debut in March 2021 against England and has played two Tests for India, along with 59 appearances across One-Day and T20 Internationals. He last played for India in November 2023 in a T20I match against Australia.
In early 2024, Ishan Kishan's absence from domestic cricket led to his exclusion from the BCCI's annual contracts. The BCCI had mandated that all fit players not on national duty participate in the Ranji Trophy. It was reported that Kishan had refused an offer from the BCCI to participate in the Test series against England, stating that he was not ready yet. He had taken a break from cricket, citing mental health issues, and did not report to the National Cricket Academy or his state unit at Jharkhand.
By joining Nottinghamshire, Kishan has the chance to prove his commitment to red-ball cricket and potentially regain his place in the Indian Test squad. His performance in the County Championship will be closely watched by Indian selectors and fans alike.
