NEW DELHI: India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, facing scrutiny for his absence in Ranji Trophy matches, quietly re-entered competitive cricket on Tuesday, scoring 19 runs in the DY Patil T20 Cup in Navi Mumbai.
Representing RBI on the tournament’s second day, the 25-year-old cricketer from Patna showcased his skills by stumping Sumit Dhekale off seamer Sayan Mondal.

Kishan later contributed 19 runs off 12 balls, including two boundaries and a six, in a losing effort as his team succumbed to an 89-run defeat against Route Mobile Limited.

Route, batting first, posted a total of 192 for 8 in 20 overs, with Aayush Vartan scoring 54 off 31 balls and Dhekale adding 42 at the DY Patil University Ground. In response, RBI struggled and were bowled out for just 103 in 16.3 overs, with Route’s Badrey Alam claiming 5/20 as the standout bowling performance.
Kishan, a Mumbai Indians player in the IPL, had last represented India during the T20 series against Australia in November of the previous year. Following a break during India’s Tour of South Africa, he was not selected for the home series against Afghanistan or the ongoing five-Test series against England.
Known for his reluctance to participate in first-class cricket and focus primarily on the IPL, Kishan’s decision contributed to the BCCI’s move to mandate a minimum number of Ranji Trophy games for players to be eligible for the lucrative league’s auction pool.
Recently seen training with India all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who also returned to action in the DY Patil tournament after a prolonged injury layoff, Kishan’s performance will likely be closely observed as the cricketing season progresses.
(With PTI inputs)