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Xtra Time Web Desk: India's wicketkeeper-batsman, Ishan Kishan, has opened up about his decision to take a break from international cricket, which subsequently led to his absence from the domestic Ranji Trophy matches. This move has been a subject of considerable debate among cricket enthusiasts and experts alike.

Ishan Kishan last played for India in the third T20I against Australia in November of the previous year. Following this, he was named for the South Africa tour but opted out of the Test series due to personal reasons. After this short break, Kishan also chose to skip the Ranji Trophy, leading to the BCCI removing him from the central contracts list. Rahul Dravid, the head coach of India at that time, advised that Kishan needed to perform in domestic matches to make a comeback.

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Kishan's decision to skip the Ranji Trophy was met with severe criticism. However, he recently revealed that he was not in the right frame of mind to participate in domestic matches. In an interview with the Indian Express, Kishan stated, "I took a break and I think it was normal. There is a rule that if you want to make a comeback you must perform in domestic cricket. It is as simple as that. Now, it was very different for me to play domestic cricket as it was not making any sense. I was not in a frame of mind to play and that is why I took a break from international cricket. It doesn't make sense that you take a break from international cricket and then you go and play domestic matches. Fir toh aap international hi khelte (Then I could have continued playing for India)."

Kishan also admitted that his lack of playing time for the Indian team, despite performing well, was disheartening. "It was depressing. Today I don't want to say that everything was fine. It was not easy for me at all. You go through a lot. Mere dimag mey ye sab chalta raha ki yaar kya hoga gaya, kyu ho gaya, mere saath kyu (Questions like what happened, why me). All these things happened when I was performing," he added.

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After missing the South Africa tour and the Ranji Trophy, Kishan returned to action during the Indian Premier League earlier this year. However, his performance was underwhelming, scoring just 320 runs from 14 innings at an average of 22.85 and a strike rate of 148.83. As a result, he was not considered for T20 World Cup selection, with Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson being preferred as the two wicketkeepers.

Ishan Kishan's candid admission sheds light on the mental pressures faced by professional athletes. It also emphasizes the importance of mental health and well-being over professional commitments. As Kishan looks to regain his form and focus, fans and cricket experts alike will be eager to see him back in action, performing at his best.