Men in Blue are gearing up for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. The first match will be played today (January 11) at 7 PM at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium. A few media reports suggested that Wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer were excluded from the T20 squad due to disciplinary reasons. Ahead of the series opener, India’s head coach Rahul Dravid missed those media reports and gave clarity on the exclusion of those two players.

Dravid admitted that during the South Africa tour, Ishan requested a break due to mental fatigue, and the team management approved his request. No, there was no disciplinary issue. Ishan Kishan was not available for the selection. He requested a break and we supported it, Dravid told the reporters. I am sure when he is available for selection, he will play domestic cricket and make a comeback. So, that was the case, the former India captain added.

Shreyas Iyer’s case has absolutely nothing to do with any disciplinary issue. It is just that he missed out as there are a lot of batsmen in the team. Iyer did not play in the T20Is in South Africa as well, Dravid expressed. It is unfortunate because Iyer is a fine batter but it is not easy to fit everyone into the squad or playing XI, Dravid said.

However, Iyer is expected to play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy match against Andhra starting January 12, Friday. The prolific right-handed batter will feature in India’s squad for the five-match Test series against England beginning later this month.