IND vs SA: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma reason behind Ishan Kishan's omission from 2nd T20I?

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IND vs SA: Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer's omission from the playing eleven of the second T20I against South Africa has raised quite a few eyebrows. Ravi Bishnoi, the Player of the Series in the preceding 5-match T20I series against Australia, was also not included.

While Ravi Bishnoi's exclusion is understandable because of Ravindra Jadeja - a solid spinner and a handy batter - the exclusion of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer was intriguing. Iyer was vice-captain of the Indian team against Australia, while reports had suggested that Kishan was being considered for the number three spot in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.

IND vs SA: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma reason behind Ishan Kishan's omission from 2nd T20I?

Experts and fans are also wondering if Ishan Kishan's absence has something to do with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both the batters are currently on a break from white-ball cricket.

Reports are that Rohit Sharma would make a comeback in the format and lead the Indian team at the T20 World Cup 2024. However, doubts over Virat Kohli's T20I future remain. Kishan has been marked as the frontrunner to replace him at the number three spot in the fastest format of the game.

Ishan Kishan hit two blistering fifties in the position against Australia. But the latest development has left many believing that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could return to play in the format for one last time.

The comeback of Virat Kohli in T20I cricket would lead to no spot for Ishan Kishan in the top three. Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma played ahead of him in the India vs South Africa second T20I on Wednesday.

KL Rahul is also not part of the ongoing 3-match T20I series against South Africa. If three three senior batters - Kohli, Rohit and Rahul - return to the setup, Ishan Kishan's chances would diminish further.

Same could be said about Shreyas Iyer. Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh may form the core of the middle-order. All-rounder Hardik Pandya's comeback will guarantee another twist in the formation of India squad for the T20 World Cup 2024.

India are now left with one match against South Africa, and three T20Is against Afghanistan in January before heading straight into the IPL 2024. Eyes will be on India playing eleven for these four matches. The T20I series against Afghanistan is expected to clear a few of these doubts.