NEW DELHI: Dynamic Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan has skipped Jharkhand's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 opener against Jammu and Kashmir due to a neck spasm, on Saturday.
The match, scheduled to be held at Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy BKC in Mumbai, would have been an ideal opportunity for Ishan to impress Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises ahead of the auction that is set to be held in Jeddah on Sunday and Monday.
Kishan had failed to turn up for his state team Jharkhand due to personal reasons last season.
Kishan, who fell out with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for his absence from domestic cricket last season, returned to lead the Jharkhand team this season.
Nevertheless, Kishan will keep the auctioneer busy although Mumbai Indians might not be in a position to shell out Rs 15.25 crore like last time as they need some good bowling support for Jasprit Bumrah.
Kishan's last appearance for India came in a Twenty20 International match against Australia in Guwahati.
The wicketkeeper-batter hasn't missed a game since recharging during a lengthy camp in Baroda early this year with Hardik Pandya, following a personal leave of absence during the South Africa trip last year.
He has been a consistent member of the domestic squad since the DY Patil T20 tournament. The left-hander has participated in every competition available, including the Indian Premier League, the Irani Cup, the Duleep Trophy, the Buchi Babu event and the Ranji Trophy.
Kishan forced his way back into the picture with the help of hundreds in the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy.
Kishan was removed from the list of BCCI contracted players earlier this year after he had made himself unavailable for domestic tournaments despite not being on national duty.
The 26-year-old left-hander led Jharkhand in Ranji Trophy before flying Down Under with India A for the Australia tour.
Kishan made a century in the Duleep Trophy while playing for India C, besides playing for the Rest of India in the Irani Cup.
