Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, two exciting young talents, have been given a lifeline by the BCCI. After missing out on central contracts due to their absence from last season’s Ranji Trophy, they have reportedly been included in the National Cricket Academy’s (NCA) High Performance Monitoring Programme for the 2024-25 domestic season.
Chance to Redeem for Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan
This inclusion signals a shift in the BCCI’s stance. A source within the board clarified to Times of India, “The BCCI has nothing against Iyer and Kishan. This is an opportunity for them to demonstrate their commitment to domestic cricket.” Performing well in upcoming domestic tournaments could see them regain their central contracts and potentially earn a recall to the Indian team.
Impressive IPL Performances Not Enough
Both players impressed in the recently concluded IPL season. Shreyas Iyer led the Kolkata Knight Riders to the playoffs, while Ishan Kishan showcased his skills for the Mumbai Indians. However, their absence from the Ranji Trophy raised concerns about their dedication to the domestic circuit.
Musheer Khan: The Rising Star
Joining Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan in the NCA program is Musheer Khan, the talented Mumbai all-rounder who shone at the Under-19 World Cup. His exceptional performance with both bat and ball earned him a well-deserved spot.
NCA Camp: Launchpad for Future India Stars
The 30 selected players will undergo a month-long training camp at the new NCA facility near Bengaluru under the guidance of chairman VVS Laxman. This state-of-the-art facility aims to provide them with the best possible resources to hone their skills.
Who Else Made the Cut?
The list features a mix of established performers and rising stars. Promising pacers like Mayank Yadav, Umran Malik, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Sen, Harshit Rana, Khaleel Ahmed, and Tushar Deshpande will be looking to further develop their craft.
Exciting young batsmen like Riyan Parag, Ashutosh Sharma, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Kishore, and Prithvi Shaw will also get the chance to impress the selectors. Shams Mulani and off-spinner Tanush Kotian also find their name in the reported list.
Looking to the Future
This NCA program highlights the BCCI’s commitment to nurturing young talent. The players selected represent the future of Indian cricket, and their performances in the upcoming domestic season will be closely monitored. With a second chance in hand, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, and the rest of the group will be eager to prove their worth and potentially wear the coveted India jersey.
