By Prakash Nair 
New Delhi, August 18: Ishan Kishan will now miss the Duleep Trophy opener (scheduled to begin August 28 in Bengaluru), ruled out due to a minor injury sustained during his recent county stint with Nottinghamshire. The decision, it appears, was taken more out of caution than alarm.
That said, Aashirwad Swain, a 20-year-old Odisha wicketkeeper-batter, has been drafted into the East Zone squad in Kishan’s place, as reported by India Today. Meanwhile, the captaincy baton now passes to Abhimanyu Easwaran, originally the vice-captain, who will now lead East Zone in Kishan’s absence, according to Wisden.
The nature of the injury appears precautionary. Reports confirm it required multiple stitches, and Kishan was also overlooked as a replacement for Rishabh Pant for the fifth Test against England at The Oval, as per NDTV Sports and Rediff. He is currently undergoing assessment and recovery at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. His absence is being framed as a safeguard rather than a serious setback.
Importantly, Kishan remains in contention for upcoming higher honours. He is still on the radar for the India A squad, which will host Australia for two four-day matches next month, NDTV Sports noted.
Ishan Kishan’s Injury Timelines and Squad Shuffle
Kishan had just completed a short county stint with Nottinghamshire, where he replaced South Africa’s Kyle Verreynne for two matches. It turned out to be a promising gamble, with the 26-year-old smashing a blistering 87 on debut at Trent Bridge. But reportedly, it was during this stint that he picked up the injury that now sidelines him temporarily.
Interestingly enough, Kishan was only recently named captain of the East Zone squad, a role that was being seen as a step toward regaining rhythm in red-ball cricket. With him now sidelined, the squad’s leadership automatically shifted to Easwaran, a veteran of India A and domestic cricket. According to The Times of India, Easwaran was earlier named as Kishan’s deputy, making his elevation a natural move.
Aashirwad Swain’s selection, though sudden, has raised eyebrows. Swain has not yet featured in any marquee first-class tournament but is reportedly rated highly by the Odisha team management. This could be an opportunity of a lifetime, especially with selectors closely monitoring the Duleep Trophy as a feeder tournament for India A and Test squads.
Management Treading Carefully Ahead of Packed Calendar
What complicates the situation further is the timing. India are expected to finalize their core for the home Test season and the Asia Cup shortly after the Duleep Trophy. That makes Kishan’s recovery not just medical but strategic. The BCCI, according to insiders, wants to avoid rushing him back and risking aggravation, especially considering his dual role as a wicketkeeper and aggressive middle-order batter.
For what it’s worth, Kishan’s recent career arc has been turbulent. After being dropped midway through the South Africa tour late last year, he spent nearly six months out of competitive cricket. The county call-up by Nottinghamshire, announced earlier this month, was a much-needed chance to rebuild form and visibility.
While Kishan’s 87 in his debut innings stirred renewed attention, his availability for top-tier matches remains under the scanner. BCCI sources speaking to multiple outlets reiterated that his exclusion from the final England Test was due to the stitches and not form-related concerns.
Future Outlook: Still in the Mix
Despite this setback, Kishan’s name continues to feature prominently in conversations around the India A squad for the Australia series. Those matches, scheduled for late September and early October, are widely seen as the last audition before selectors firm up the Test core for the season.
If his recovery stays on track, and if the medical team clears him over the coming fortnight, Kishan could still find himself back in whites before the year is out.
Quick Summary Table
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Status | Ruled out of Duleep Trophy opener as of August 18, 2025 |
| Reason | Minor injury, multiple stitches required |
| Replacement | Aashirwad Swain (Odisha) |
| Captaincy Update | Abhimanyu Easwaran takes over East Zone leadership |
| Current Focus | Recovery and assessment at BCCI CoE, Bengaluru |
| Outlook | Still considered for India A matches against Australia next month |
At the time of writing, the East Zone squad has not announced any further changes, and Kishan remains under observation. Whether he returns via India A or waits for another domestic outing, one thing is clear the selectors are watching.
Stay ahead with Hindustan Herald — bringing you trusted news, sharp analysis, and stories that matter across Politics, Business, Technology, Sports, Entertainment, Lifestyle, and more.
Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube, and join our Telegram community @hindustanherald for real-time updates.
Sports reporter covering cricket, football, and Olympic disciplines, with on-ground event experience.
- Prakash Nairhttps://hindustanherald.in/authors/prakash/
- Prakash Nairhttps://hindustanherald.in/authors/prakash/
- Prakash Nairhttps://hindustanherald.in/authors/prakash/
