The cricketing world was abuzz with speculation following Shreyas Iyer's decision to inform the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) that he would not be available for selection in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals.
However, the plot thickened when Nitin Patel, the head of sports science and medicine at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), sent an email to selectors, asserting that there were no fresh injury reports concerning Iyer and confirmed his fitness status.
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Sources within the Mumbai Cricket Association revealed that Iyer had cited back pain as the reason for his absence from the crucial Ranji Trophy quarterfinal clash against Baroda.
What did the NCA say?
This development raised eyebrows, especially considering Patel's email to selectors, which was obtained by The Indian Express. In the email, Patel stated, "Shreyas Iyer was fit and available for selection as per the handover report of the Indian team after the 2nd Test match against England. There are currently no fresh injuries reported as well after his departure from Team India."
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Last week, BCCI secretary Jay Shah issued a warning to centrally-contracted and India A cricketers about the potential consequences of non-participation in domestic matches.
This warning came after wicket-keeper Ishan Kishan opted out of the Test tour of South Africa, citing personal reasons, and subsequently did not feature in Jharkhand's final group game against Rajasthan.
Recently, Kishan had fallen out of favour with the team management after opting out of the team's tour to South Africa mid-way, citing mental fatigue. However, he was since seen partying in Dubai and has not been picked for national team duty ever since.
All contracted players have been told on phone and I'll be writing to them too. If chairman of selectors, coach & captain want you to play red-ball cricket then you gotta play. ‘Nakhare Nahi Chalenge’ (no tantrums).
— Nikhil Naz (@NikhilNaz) February 14, 2024
BCCI Secy Jay Shah not mincing his words on Ranji participation
It has been reported that BCCI is not happy with Kishan's attitude and the fact that he had opted to skip his state team's Ranji Trophy games and instead opting to practice for the IPL which begins in March. Coach Rahul Dravid had also remarked that Kishan needs to play before he is considered for selection.
BCCI's directive comes in the wake of these reports and is a telling indicator of what they think of the Kishan controversy.
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