Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan was forced to leave a training session early due to a back spasm caused by a bouncer from net bowler Navdeep Saini. The injury comes just before the T20I series against Afghanistan.
- Ishan Kishan suffered a back spasm during a net session in Delhi.
- The injury occurred while attempting to evade a short ball from Navdeep Saini.
- Kishan enters the series in peak form after a stellar Duleep Trophy performance.
Concerns have mounted within the Indian camp just ahead of the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. Star wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan was seen leaving the nets prematurely at the Arun Jaitley Stadium after experiencing a sudden back spasm during his practice session.
The session began promisingly, with Kishan spending nearly an hour batting against spinners alongside captain Shreyas Iyer. He appeared to be in sublime touch, dispatching several deliveries to the boundary. However, the situation turned critical when he transitioned to facing the pace attack.
Navdeep Saini, serving as a net bowler to assist the squad, delivered a sharp bouncer. Instead of ducking, Kishan twisted his torso backward to avoid the ball, resulting in an immediate strain in his lower back. The team physio and support staff rushed to his aid, and Kishan was subsequently advised to cease training for the day.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this injury is poorly timed. Ishan Kishan has just come off a monumental performance in the Duleep Trophy 2026-27, where he amassed 350 runs in the final (including a 270 in the first innings) to lead East Zone to the championship. His presence provides India with a lethal attacking option in the top order.
"The risk of a back spasm turning into a long-term strain is high if not managed with immediate physiotherapy and rest, especially for a keeper-batter."
Attempting to calm the nerves of the fans, Navdeep Saini later clarified the incident to The Indian Express. Saini mentioned that due to their long-standing friendship, he tried to challenge Kishan with a short ball. He noted that when he checked on Kishan later, the batter assured him that he was feeling better.
Historical Background: Ishan Kishan has frequently been at the center of selection debates due to his explosive nature and sporadic availability. His recent dominance in domestic red-ball cricket was seen as a statement of intent to reclaim his permanent spot in the white-ball setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How did Ishan Kishan get injured?
He suffered a back spasm while twisting his body to avoid a bouncer delivered by Navdeep Saini during net practice.
Q2: When is the India vs Afghanistan T20 series?
The series is scheduled for September 13, 15, and 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.