Kamran Akmal has questioned Ishan Kishan’s decision to take a break from the Indian team, citing mental fatigue.
Kishan requested a break from the Indian team management during the South Africa tour, which was supported by both the team management and selectors. The BCCI cited ‘personal reasons’ for his withdrawal from the Test series against South Africa, and K.S. Bharat was named as his replacement.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Akmal questioned Kishan for asking for such a break so early in his career and pointed out that players 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,” said Akmal.
Akmal also said that the selection committee did a good job by keeping Kishan away from the team setup and this should act as a message to young players who may look to take a break in an attempt to be fit for the IPL.
“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 playing domestic cricket. This should be a message to players that they cannot ask for rest whenever they want due to mental fatigue. This is national duty, you cannot ask for rest just like that,” said Akmal.
