Ishan Kishan continues to skip Ranji Trophy, trains with Krunal and Hardik Pandya: Report

Ishan Kishan, who has been out of international cricket since December last year, was spotted ‘working out and practicing’ with Krunal and Hardik Pandya in Baroda, according to Cricbuzz.

According to the report, the 25-year-old has been based in the city for the past few weeks, utilising the facilities at the Reliance Stadium as he aims to make a comeback to the international setup.

The report further mentioned that Ishan won't be participating in Jharkhand's upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Haryana in Jamshedpur starting February 9.

He will however, have to play a domestic game before he can be selected. The team management's policy, led by Rahul Dravid, insists a player to do that if he takes a long break from cricket.

Ishan's continued absence has sparked discussions over its potential implications on his BCCI central contract. Currently positioned in Grade C, Ishan receives an annual retainership of INR 1 crore.

Ishan has missed the T20I series against Afghanistan and the home Tests against England ever since he asked for a break, reportedly due to mental fatigue.

After the 2nd Test, Team India's head coach Rahul Dravid stated, 'Whenever he is ready, I didn't say he has to play domestic cricket; I said whenever he is ready... he needs to play some cricket and come back. The choice is his. We are not forcing him to do anything. We are in touch with him.'