‘What Mental Fatigue Can You Have at This Early Stage of your Career’: Ex-Pak Cricketer on Ishan Kishan

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posted on 8 months ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has questioned Kishan's decision to take a break from the sport, citing mental fatigue.

Ishan Kishan’s non-selection for the first two Tests against England has led to a massive debate with experts speculating reasons for his snub. Earlier, several media reports had stated that disciplinary action was taken against the young wicketkeeper-batter and hence, was released from the squad for the South Africa Tests. However, head coach Rahul Dravid rubbished all those talks and clarified that the youngster himself asked for a break. The Team India head coach further added that Kishan will have to play domestic cricket before returning to make a Test return.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has questioned Kishan’s decision to take a break from the sport, citing mental fatigue. Speaking in his latest YouTube video, Akmal slammed the young Indian wicketkeeper-batter for demanding a break so early in his career, highlighting how veterans like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah also face the same amount of mental fatigue.

“There has been talk about Ishan Kishan being released from the Test squad in South Africa to deal with mental fatigue. At this early stage of your career, what mental fatigue can you have? In this team, there are the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, who also deal with fatigue. They play the IPL, international matches, including Test matches. Have never heard of players taking a break due to this reason,” Akmal said on his YouTube channel.

The former stumper said the Indian selectors have done the correct thing by not picking Kishan in the squad for the first two Tests against England, starting January 25 in Hyderabad.

“You are saving yourself for two months of IPL. Playing in the Indian team is a big thing and this excuse is beyond my understanding. I think the selection committee has done a good job by keeping Ishan Kishan away from this team. Let him rest for now and then play domestic cricket. This should be a message to players that they cannot ask for rest whenever they want due to mental fatigue. This is a national duty, you cannot ask for rest just like that,” he added.