"He has delivered now.." - Ashwin highlights the versatility this India star adds to the ODI WC squad
Notably, the 25-year-old earned his place in the 2023 ODI World Cup squad through a string of consistently strong performances.
Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has lauded an India star's remarkable versatility and the valuable attributes he brings to the squad. Notably, the 25-year-old earned his place in the 2023 ODI World Cup squad through a string of consistently strong performances.
Ishan Kishan has been thoroughly assessed by the management in various roles within ODI cricket. The left-handed batter has both opened the innings and played in the middle order, impressively delivering commendable performances in both roles.
In a recent crucial encounter during the Asia Cup group stage against Pakistan, Ishan displayed his ability by scoring a fifty under immense pressure. This has posed a challenging dilemma for the management, especially with the imminent return of the injured KL Rahul.
Ishan Kishan's selection gives India an added left-hander
Describing Ishan Kishan as a 'two-in-one' player, Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, "This is not a competition between Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson, because Kishan fills so many roles. When you pick a 15-member squad, you need to pick a backup wicket-keeper. Even when we pick a Ranji Trophy squad, we pick two wicket-keepers. So, Ishan Kishan is also a back-up opener along with being a back-up wicket-keeper, he is two-in-one player."
"Now that Ishan Kishan has succeeded at Number 5, it gives India two left-handers in the middle order. Everyone was going gaga over left-handers and they were saying Ishan Kishan cannot bat at No.5, but he has delivered now," Ashwin continued.
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Ishan Kishan entered the cricketing landscape following his double century against Bangladesh in late 2022. His adeptness in wicket-keeping and his exceptional form, which commenced during the West Indies tour, convinced the selectors to choose him over the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and Sanju Samson.
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