The timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, specifically the verse "Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana," moved Indian cricketer Ishan Kishan to tears a year ago. This profound shloka, which translates to "You have the right to work but never to the fruit of work," became a beacon for the wicketkeeper-batter during a period of intense personal and professional turmoil.
The Rollercoaster of Four Decembers
Ishan Kishan's career has been a tale of dramatic highs and lows, sharply defined by the month of December over four consecutive years. In December 2022, he announced himself on the world stage with a breathtaking double century against Bangladesh in Chattogram, scoring 200 runs off a mere 126 balls. This broke the previous record for the fastest double hundred in men's ODIs, held by Chris Gayle.
By December 2023, the scenario had flipped. Requesting a break from cricket citing mental fatigue, Kishan found himself at odds with the national team management led by then-coach Rahul Dravid and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. The management perceived his reaction to being repeatedly benched as an attitude problem, rather than acknowledging the natural frustration of a performer kept on the sidelines.
The turning point came in December 2024. While scrolling on his phone, Kishan stumbled upon the life-altering Gita verse. Intrigued, he called his father, Pranav Pandey, to understand its meaning. After hearing several shlokas, Ishan ordered a copy of the holy book, which has since become as essential to his kit as his batting gloves.
Redemption Through Domestic Dominance
Cut to the present, and the scripture's teachings have manifested in stellar on-field performance. Leading Jharkhand in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the southpaw unleashed a barrage of runs, amassing 517 runs at a staggering strike rate of 197.32. His crowning moment was a blistering 51-ball century in the final against Haryana, a knock that powered Jharkhand to their maiden domestic T20 title.
This domestic success is a direct response to the path laid out for him. After his South Africa break, Rahul Dravid had stated that Kishan must play domestic cricket to earn an India recall. Kishan has done exactly that, featuring in the DY Patil Tournament, Buchi Babu Trophy, IPL, county cricket, and consistently for Jharkhand, even after losing his central contract.
A Battle Against Perception and Circumstance
Kishan's exile from the Indian team, lasting four years, is a complex puzzle. Despite being hailed as an "extraordinary team man" by R Ashwin for his positive attitude even while warming the bench, a narrative of an "attitude problem" persisted in selection circles.
His opportunities were often curtailed by team combinations and luck. After his double century, he was sidelined for Shubman Gill. He impressed with a 91 against Pakistan in a tough middle-order role, only to make way for KL Rahul. He was even a like-for-like replacement for the injured Rishabh Pant for an Oval Test, but an injury ruled him out, handing the chance to N Jagadeesan.
His father, Pranav, recalls the painful period when memes questioned Ishan's desire to play for India. "The boy who always brought a smile to everyone’s face stopped smiling. As parents, my wife and I used to cry," he shared.
Roots of Resilience: From Patna to Promise
Kishan's current resilience is forged in early struggle. At just 12, he moved from Patna to Ranchi, sharing a two-room quarter in Doranda with three older boys. With no cooking skills, his chore was cleaning utensils. Often alone, dinner was Maggi, lunch was chips and soft drinks, and pre-practice fuel was sattu. These humble beginnings shaped the grit that now fuels his comeback.
The discipline from the Gita has reshaped his outlook. Before leaving for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, when his father advised him to be selfish, Ishan replied with another shloka: "Anusasitaṃ manaḥ sukhaṃ janayati" (A disciplined mind brings happiness). "We have got our son back, and soon he will get his place in the team back," asserts Pranav Pandey.
While the curious case of his prolonged absence may never be fully answered, Ishan Kishan, armed with ancient wisdom and a reignited hunger, continues to pile on runs, ensuring the fire to wear India colours again burns brighter than ever.
