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Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan is set to lead the Jharkhand cricket team in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season, marking his return as captain after four years. The last time Ishan captained Jharkhand was during the 2018-19 season, and he skipped the previous season entirely. His comeback to leadership could significantly impact Jharkhand’s prospects this year, especially after his recent form in domestic cricket.
Recent Performances in Domestic Cricket
Ishan recently played in the Irani Cup, representing Rest of India, where he scored 38 runs. However, due to Dhruv Jurel’s presence in the squad, Ishan didn’t take on the wicketkeeping duties in that match. Similarly, with Kumar Kushagra in the current Jharkhand squad, Ishan is expected to focus primarily on his batting in the upcoming Ranji Trophy campaign.
Virat Singh as Vice-Captain
While Ishan takes over the captaincy, Virat Singh, who led the team last season, has been named the vice-captain. Virat’s leadership last season saw Jharkhand finishing third from the bottom in their group, winning two games, losing two, and drawing three. With Ishan’s return, the team looks forward to a more competitive season.
Jharkhand’s Squad for Ranji Trophy 2024-25
Jharkhand is placed in Elite Group D and will kick off their Ranji Trophy 2024-25 campaign against Assam in Guwahati. The squad includes notable players like Anukul Roy, Utkars Singh, Nazim Siddiqui, and Kumar Kushagra, making the team well-rounded and potentially stronger under Ishan’s leadership.
Focus on Balancing Domestic and Franchise Cricket
Ishan Kishan's return to the domestic circuit comes after a period of balancing between franchise cricket commitments and state-level responsibilities. His absence in certain domestic matches last season had led to discussions about priorities among players. However, his recent performances in the Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup have reignited interest in his leadership and batting skills, making him a key player to watch in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25.
