After the series levelling win over England, Indian cricket team coach Rahul Dravid tried to clear the air over player Ishan Kishan’s absence once again.

In response to questions about Ishan Kishan’s protracted absence from both domestic and international cricket, head coach Rahul Dravid stated on Monday that Kishan must choose when he will begin playing “some form of cricket” before being considered for national selection.

Kishan, who was a consistent player for the Indian team in all formats not too long ago, hasn’t played since he requested a leave of absence in December, citing personal reasons, during the middle of the South Africa tour. He hasn’t played for Jharkhand in the current Ranji Trophy and last appeared for India in November.

“There is way back for anyone and everyone. I don’t want to go on labouring about the Ishan Kishan point. Have tried to explain this as best as I can, the point was he had requested a break, we were happy to give him the break,” said Dravid in the media interaction.

“Whenever he is ready, I didn’t say he has to play domestic cricket, I said whenever he is ready, he needs to play some cricket and come back. The choice is his. We are not forcing him to do anything,” Dravid didn’t seem to amused with the queries and also made it team management’s stance clear on the issue.