Ishan Kishan has withdrawn from the upcoming Test series against South Africa, citing ‘mental fatigue’ and the need for a break due to constant travel with the Indian team. The Indian Express revealed that Kishan requested the team management during the past week in South Africa, expressing his exhaustion from non-stop travel over the past year.
“He let the team management know about his mental fatigue and expressed the need for a cricket break. Everyone agreed to his request,” a source said. The Indian board had initially cited ‘personal reasons’ in its press release regarding Kishan’s decision.
Ishan Kishan, citing personal reasons, has pulled out of the upcoming Test series against South Africa. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Jay Shah, confirmed the news and announced KS Bharat as Kishan’s replacement in the Test squad, selected by the men’s selection committee.
Kishan had been a constant presence in the Indian squad since January 3, 2023, facing a demanding schedule with limited playing opportunities. Despite participating in various series, including the 50-over World Cup and T20I series against Australia, Kishan found himself on the bench during the recent T20I series in South Africa.
The tight cricketing calendar, starting with the Sri Lanka series in January, followed by engagements with New Zealand, Australia, and the IPL, contributed to Kishan’s mental fatigue. His decision to withdraw from the Test series reflects the toll of continuous travel and limited game time on his well-being.