Former cricketer Suresh Raina recently added a new point to the ongoing discussion about India’s talented wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan. He also showed support for him in India’s T20I squad, despite Kishan’s omission from the 2025 Asia Cup team. Speaking on a YouTube podcast, Raina praised Kishan’s class and temperament. He also said that Kishan is the most underrated batsman in the world.

The left-hand batter has not played for the national team for many years. Ishan Kishan will not feature in East Zone’s opening match of the 2025 Duleep Trophy, as he is recovering from a minor injury in the UK. The incident happened during his time with Nottinghamshire, where he reportedly suffered cuts and needed stitches after falling off an e-bike.

Although the injury is not serious, he has been kept out as a precaution, considering his potential selection for the India A squad next month. This is also the reason why he will miss the Asia Cup squad.

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Raina Calls Ishan Kishan the Most Underrated Player

Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra’s YouTube podcast, Suresh Raina named fellow left-hander Ishan Kishan as the most underrated player. He said that Kishan can play many strong shots and has done well in his career so far.

“(Most underrated batsman) – Ishan Kishan. He is a very strong player. He has done really well. When he performs, he hits powerful shots,” Raina said. Notably, Ishan Kishan made a century on his SRH debut in IPL 2025. He scored an unbeaten 106 off 47 balls, which helped the 2016 champions reach 286/6 in 20 overs.

Suresh Raina said - "Ishan Kishan is the Most underrated Batsman in the World". (Shubhankar Mishra YT). pic.twitter.com/tg9KeRTqLI

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) August 31, 2025

Replacement Named: Aashirwad Swain Steps In

In Kishan’s absence, Odisha’s Aashirwad Swain has been added to the East Zone squad. Jharkhand’s Kumar Kushagra is expected to keep wickets as the first-choice when East Zone takes on North Zone, led by Shubman Gill, in the quarterfinal starting August 28 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), Bengaluru.

Why Kishan Missed the England Test Call-Up?

Kishan’s injury also affected his national team chances. He was not considered as a replacement for Rishabh Pant in the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval due to his recovery. Instead, Tamil Nadu’s N Jagadeesan was sent as the back-up keeper to Dhruv Jurel. The Jharkhand-based batter is expected to undergo fitness tests at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. For Kishan, the main focus is full recovery before a possible call-up to the India A squad, which will host Australia A in two four-day matches next month.

The Indian wicket-keeper batter, Ishan Kishan, will not feature for the East Zone for the curtain raiser of the Duleep Trophy 2025 as he hasn’t recovered fully from the minor injury that he picked up in the United Kingdom during his stint with Nottinghamshire. The selectors have replaced him with Odisha’s Ashirwad Swain. It has been revealed that the Jharkhand batter fell off an e-bike.

That was the reason why he wasn’t considered as the replacement of Rishabh Pant ahead of India's fifth and final red-ball clash against England at the Kennington Oval. This was why N Jagadeesan flew as back-up to Dhurv Jurel. Kisha’s injury doesn’t appear to be a serious one, as he could play for India A in the upcoming two four-day fixtures against Australia next month.

See Also: Asia Cup 2025: Why Shubman Gill should be selected in the squad?

The southpaw will now continue to go through the fitness assessment at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru of the BCCI. In his absence, his state team-mate, Kumar Kushagra, will be the first-choice wicket-keeper for the East Zone.

East Zone to miss Akash Deep in Duleep Trophy 2025

East Zone will also be without their fast bowler, Akash Deep, who has been suggested to rest due to his niggle, whose fitness assessment is likely to happen a few days later. He was on the England trip recently and missed the fourth Manchester clash due to a back injury before smashing a fine fifty as a nightwatchman in the second innings of the fifth Oval Test.

Akash Deep enjoyed a decent series with 13 wickets in three games, including a maiden ten-wicket haul during the second Birmingham encounter. Akash has been replaced by Assam’s Mukhtar Hussain for the Abhimanyu-led side. Riyan Parag will be the deputy of Easwaran. Their squad is comprised of Mukhesh Kumar and Mohammed Shami.

East Zone will start their campaign on August 28 against Shubman Gill’s North Zone. All the games will be played at the CoE in Bengaluru.

Updated East Zone squad for Duleep Trophy 2025 opener

Abhimanyu Easwaran (captain), Ashirwad Swain (wk), Sandeep Patnaik, Virat Singh, Denish Das, Sridam Paul, Sharandeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra (wk), Riyan Parag (vice-captain), Utkarsh Singh, Manishi, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, Mukhtar Hussain, and Mohammed Shami

Ishan Kishan again started to make headlines after the injury of Rishabh Pant at Old Trafford. A video of Ishan has recently attracted cricket fans.

In this video, the Indian cricketer was spotted as a bowler. Ishan did some spin bowling with his county cricket team, Nottinghamshire, but in an entertaining way. He delivered all 6 deliveries with 6 different actions. Another interesting thing from his bowling is that, despite using different bowling actions, Kishan was mostly right on his line and length, on the line of the stumps, except for the last delivery of the over, which went far wide off the off stump.

The video is an old one from Ishan Kishan's recent endeavors with Nottinghamshire. After participating in IPL 2025 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, the keeper-batter flew to the United Kingdom to play in County Cricket with Nottinghamshire.

Watch the bowling here

Ishan Kishan having different actions for each delivery. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/LJbKvdXKkM

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 27, 2025

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Ishan probably had a chance to make a comeback in Team India 

The 27-year-old did well enough with the English club. In two matches, he scored back-to-back half centuries—87 vs. Yorkshire and 77 vs. Somerset. In the match against Somerset, Ishan displayed his bowling skills. That game was on June 29, 2025, now almost a month ago. 

In some recent developments, Ishan Kishan could get a chance to go back in the Team India squad because of Rishabh Pant's injury. Some media reports suggested that the board had inquired about Ishan's current status. But he was not available then. As per the latest updates, Ishan Kishan now struggles with injury, and he can take some time to recover fully. Ishan last played for India in November of 2023, in a T20I against Australia, and has the experience of two Test matches—against the West Indies earlier that year.

Rishabh Pant again went off the ground for injury threats. A quick delivery from Chris Woakes struck right on his boot while he was batting on Day 1 of the England vs. India 4th Test (ENG vs IND Test) at Old Trafford, Manchester. In back-to-back matches, the keeper batter received blows, which definitely caused worries for the think tank.

India, already in a crucial situation and engaged with multiple injuries, can be forced to think about a replacement of Pant in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar trophy. There are multiple players, waiting for their turns to shine in India colors. Through this article, we'll try to find 3 players who have the potential to replace the middle-order batsman. 

3 players who have the potential to replace Pant:

Sarfaraz Khan

The highly talented batter has all the potential to maintain a position in the starting XI. Before the series, he was in England and played a match for the India 'A' team against the England Lions. In that match, the right-handed batsman scored a brilliant 92-run innings. Against New Zealand, he got a 150-run knock. In recent times, the Mumbai-born has been working hard on his fitness to evolve more as a cricketer in the modern era. 

Read More: ENG vs IND 4th Test Day 1: Highlights and Key Factors

Ishan Kishan

Rishabh Pant is not only the vice captain of Team India's Test setup but also the keeper batter. So, if the team management wants to go for a like-for-like substitute, then there is no better than Ishan Kishan. He can keep and he can bat with aggression. Pant's aggressive nature of batting always provides the team the X-factor. Ishan has the potential to do almost the same in the middle of the park. After playing multiple promising innings in the IPL 2025, the Bihar-born was impressive in this season's County Cricket with Nottinghamshire. The southpaw played 87- and 77-run innings for the English team. 

Ruturaj Gaikwad

Another well-known talent who hasn't got a Test cap. Ruturaj Gaikwad remained as an underrated talent, playing for India in limited-over formats but yet to get a call to represent his country in the Whites. If the Indian team management wants to put someone in the squad who can add value with calm and composed batting, then Gaikwad can be the man. 

Team India has been dealt a big blow in the ongoing Test series against England. Star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out for six weeks after hurting his toe on Day 1 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester.

Pant was looking solid at the crease and had reached 37 runs when the injury happened. In the 68th over, he went for a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes but missed the shot. The ball hit his right toe after a small inside edge. Pant was clearly in pain and had to walk off the field while limping. He didn’t return to bat after that and was marked as ‘retired hurt’.

Rishabh Pant Ruled Out for Six Weeks After Painful Toe Injury

After medical scans, it was confirmed that Pant had a fracture in his toe. The team doctors were hoping he might return to bat after taking painkillers, but right now, he can’t even walk properly without help. So, the chances of him batting again in this match are almost zero.

🚨 ISHAN KISHAN FOR 5TH TEST Vs ENGLAND 🚨

- Ishan Kishan is likely to be added in Team India's Squad for 5th Test Vs England. (Express Sports). pic.twitter.com/4LaMMegBl2

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) July 24, 2025

With India already struggling due to injuries, this is another major setback. They are down to just 10 fully fit players in this Test. In response, the selectors have called Ishan Kishan as a standby player for the fifth and final Test, which will be played at The Oval from July 31 to August 4. Kishan has been playing in England recently in county cricket, so he’s already familiar with the conditions.

ALSO READ: Breaking News!! Rishabh Pant’s latest injury update revealed for ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester

A BCCI official told The Indian Express, “The scans confirmed a fracture, and Pant has been ruled out for six weeks. He still needs help to walk, so it’s very unlikely he’ll come back to bat.” Pant’s injury comes at a tough time for India and will definitely affect their plans for the rest of the series.

The IPL 2026 trade window has kicked off with a bang, sparking plenty of excitement and rumors among fans. With teams looking to regroup after a dramatic 2025 season, trade talks and player transfers are already making waves across social media platforms.

One of the most widely discussed speculations involves Kolkata Knight Riders' dynamic batter, Venkatesh Iyer. Reports have emerged suggesting that KKR is considering a major trade involving Iyer, possibly swapping him with Sunrisers Hyderabad’s explosive batter Ishan Kishan. The rumor has sparked a range of reactions among fans, with both players having significant value to their respective teams.

Though nothing official has been confirmed yet, the possibility of such a high-profile trade has certainly added to the buzz of the ongoing trade window. As franchises prepare for the next season, fans are closely watching every move, hoping for strong squads and exciting cricket ahead in IPL 2026.

See Also: ENG vs IND: Will Jasprit Bumrah Play the 4th Test? Team India’s Assistant Coach Drops a Big Hint

IPL 2026 Trade News: KKR Likely to Part Ways with Star Batter:

Kolkata Knight Riders made headlines during the IPL 2025 mega auction by signing Venkatesh Iyer for a massive ₹23.75 crore. The high price tag made him one of the most expensive players of the season. However, his performance didn’t live up to expectations, turning the big investment into a major concern for the franchise.

Iyer’s poor form was one of the reasons behind KKR’s below-par title defense. Scoring only 142 runs in the entire season, his contribution was far from what was expected for a player who cost nearly one-fifth of the team’s total budget. As a result, reports suggest that KKR is now open to letting him go and cutting their losses.

Sunrisers Hyderabad have shown interest in Iyer and are reportedly exploring a trade, possibly involving Ishan Kishan. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are also keeping an eye on the situation, with coach Andy Flower previously saying Iyer’s batting style could have flourished in their lineup. This situation reflects how IPL values performance over sentiment.

In August 2024, Shikhar Dhawan officially announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket, bringing to a close one of the most impactful careers by an opening batter in ODIs. Nicknamed 'Mr. ICC' for his consistent brilliance in global tournaments, Dhawan was the top scorer and Player of the Tournament during India’s victorious 2013 Champions Trophy campaign. He replicated his form in the 2015 World Cup and 2017 Champions Trophy, averaging an exceptional 65 in ICC events.

Across 167 ODIs, Dhawan amassed 6793 runs at an average of 44.11, including 17 centuries and 39 fifties. His final outing in India colors came during the 2022 tour of Bangladesh, where he scored just 18 runs in three innings. That series also featured Ishan Kishan’s record-breaking double century—210 off 131 balls—which Dhawan revealed was a pivotal moment for him. “When Ishan Kishan scored that 200, my instinct told me, alright boy, this can be the end of your career. An inner voice came to me. And that’s what happened,” Dhawan told Hindustan Times.

In that particular game, Dhawan scored only 3 runs while India went on to win by 227 runs. Despite the personal setback, Dhawan shared that he was emotionally at peace. “Then I remember my friends came over to, you know, give me that emotional support. They thought that I would be very down. But I was chilling; I was enjoying it," he added, reflecting his typical calm and cheerful demeanor.

"We Are Used to It Since Under-14 Days": Dhawan on Being Dropped

Dhawan also addressed the silence from teammates after he was dropped from the Indian team, clarifying that such things are not unusual in the world of cricket. “No, it doesn’t happen that way (teammates messaging after someone being dropped). Maybe I spoke to Rahul (Dravid) bhai. He messaged me,” he said, when asked if any player had reached out after his exclusion.

See Also: Watch: Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma spotted in London ahead of ENG vs IND 2nd Test

The 39-year-old veteran stressed that he wasn’t shocked by the development, having experienced selections and exclusions since his early playing days. “Everyone has their own journey, and they are doing work or they are on tours; that’s something very normal. We are used to it from the age of under 14; this is not the first time I am getting dropped or getting in,” Dhawan said calmly, summing up his journey with characteristic grace.

In an unusual turn of events, the Indian wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan was seen having some fun in a recently concluded four-day game of the First Division County Championship 2025 that took place between Nottinghamshire and Somerset at Taunton. Playing for Nottinghamshire, the skipper, Haseeb Hameed, tossed the ball to Kishan during Somerset's second innings. It was a surprise move from the Nottinghamshire skipper, knowing that Kishan had primarily been selected as a frontline batter who could occasionally keep wickets.   

Despite virtually having no major bowling skills in his repertoire, Ishan Kishan had no hesitation in having a go with the ball. The 26-year-old wicket-keeper batter turned to off-spin, and his bowling action triggered a striking resemblance with the former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. He bowled his first delivery to the in-form Tom Kohler-Cadmore, who eventually went on to remain unbeaten on 147. The first delivery was a drag down, which was punched down the ground. He followed it up with another back-of-a-length delivery to Tom Abell, which was defended back to him.

The 26-year-old bowled only a solitary over in this game and gave away just one run.  Kishan was brought on in an effort to trigger a collapse. The strike bowlers from Nottinghamshire had a hard time dismissing Somerset in the second innings. Kohler-Cadmore and Abell carried on their merry way and put on an unbeaten 114-run stand to see Somerset off to a draw. 

See also: County Championship 2025: Live Streaming Details & Where to watch

Watch the video:

Ishan Kishan bowling in County Cricket 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥#IshanKishan pic.twitter.com/rXAjxXhuLh

— Ayush (@AyushCricket32) July 2, 2025

Apart from the ball, Kishan also made a contribution with the bat. He finished as the third highest run scorer for  Nottinghamshire in the first innings, adding a useful 77 (128), which featured eight fours and two sixes. Prior to his county stint, Kishan had previously garnered some bowling experience by bowling a few overs in First-Class and domestic T20 cricket. In FC cricket, Kishan has bowled 54 balls and has given away 43 runs while going wicketless. Whereas, in the domestic T20 cricket, Kishan has only bowled seven balls and has given away only six runs while returning wicketless. 

A rare frame has emerged after an unexpected combination on the field. Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas took a selfie with star India player Ishan Kishan after their match in the County Championship. When India and Pakistan shared a tense situation only a few days ago, the photo of Kishan and Abbas came as a surprise to many.

Though, whoever follows cricket thoroughly can understand the reason behind the popular selfie. India's Ishan Kishan and Pakistan's Mohammad Abbas found themselves as teammates in Nottinghamshire for the current County Championship season. The Indian keeper-batter joined the club on a short-term deal. The 40th match between Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire witnessed the combination of these two players.

Abbas tricked Adam Lyth, the opener of Yorkshire, who was beaten by the pace, and got a thick edge that carried behind the stumps into the gloves of Ishan Kishan. Lyth departed with a golden duck. The India-Pakistan duo produced a success for Nottinghamshire. The partnership seems to extend beyond the match as well.

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An entertaining match from beginning to end

The Pakistani pacer took the selfie after the match and shared that on the internet through his official social media account. On the field with the county club, Ishan played a significant innings, missing a century only by a few runs. He played an outstanding innings of 87 runs in 98 balls with 12 boundaries and a solitary over-boundary. That innings came under pressure and showed a reason why the keeper-batter is considered as one of the contenders to make a Team India return. 

The match between Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire ended in a draw. In reply to Nottinghamshire's 487, the opposing team scored 510 in the second innings. Finlay Bean's 224-run knock came to rescue Yorkshire. Abbas was able to claim only one wicket in 20 overs. The match ended in the second innings after Nottinghamshire declared their innings for 148/1. 

Ishan Kishan’s list of unforgettable career moments continues to expand, with the Indian wicket-keeper batsman smashing a half-century on debut for Nottinghamshire in the County Championship. Going out to bat in entirely alien English conditions, Kishan demonstrated why he is considered one of India’s most fearless young prospects. His aggressive shot-making and ability to quickly settle into the game were on full display as he crafted a composed yet attacking fifty, proving that his talent knows no boundaries. According to Sportstar, this debut knock came against an unnamed opponent, but what stood out was Kishan’s determination to make an impact and expand his game outside the subcontinent.

For a player know for its flair and dare, County is important chapter in his cricket career." Ishan has batted like he has always played and the message always is to take the game to the opposition, be it while playing for Jharkhand in domestic cricket, opening the innings for India or doing the same in the IPL. His performances in the Premier League suggest this is someone who isn’t content living on past glories and is prepared to take himself out of his comfort zone to further develop his own game. This fifty not only in county cricket, is not just another number; it’s a message of the sort he seeks to convey with his hunger to keep bettering himself in the modes of the game.

This is not the first time Kishan has shone on debut. Fans still remember how he smashed a quickfire fifty on his T20 International debut and repeated the feat in his first ODI for India. Achieving a half-century in three different debut appearances  T20I, ODI, and now County Championship  is no small feat and highlights his ability to handle pressure on big occasions. For a young wicketkeeper-batter, such consistent performances make him a valuable asset and a strong contender for a long run in all formats.

Watch :

🚨 FIFTY FOR ISHAN KISHAN ON HIS COUNT DEBUT 🚨

- Terrific knock by Ishan under pressure 👌 pic.twitter.com/B5vrQbZTWO

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 23, 2025

ALSO SEE: England Champions announced squad for World Championship of Legends 2025

A Player Evolving Beyond Boundaries

Kishan’s decision to play county cricket is also a sign of maturity. Facing quality bowlers in swinging conditions is a challenge that will only make him a better batter when he returns to the national side. He knows that to succeed at the highest level, he must constantly test himself in new situations.

Even as he keeps scoring and wining hearts with his brand of fearless cricket, Ishan Kishan is gradually becoming one of India’s most reliable and delicious players. With every game, he’s showing that he has both the character and the ability to thrive anywhere in the world. Fans will be waiting for many more achievements from this one in years ahead.