Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra believes Ishan Kishan could be a valuable option as the third opening batsman in the Indian squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup. While Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are expected to be the first-choice opening pair, Chopra suggests Kishan could be a backup option.
During a Q&A session on his YouTube channel, Chopra was asked to share his probable squad for the 2023 World Cup. He acknowledged that Kishan’s chances of making the team as a middle-order batsman might be limited but emphasized his potential as a backup opener. Chopra highlighted Kishan’s ability to provide a left-handed option and his impressive ODI double-century as factors that could work in his favor.
Chopra’s suggested squad includes Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as the primary opening pair, with Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja forming the middle order. Hardik Pandya is considered a definite selection due to his all-round abilities. While Chopra did not see Kishan as a middle-order option at this time, he believed that Kishan’s skills and past performances made him a viable choice as a keeper-batsman and a backup opening option.
“It’s very simple. Rohit Sharma will open with Shubman Gill. There is Virat Kohli. Because Rishabh Pant is not there, I am going with Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja. Hardik Pandya, without doubt, he is going to be there. I am not looking at Ishan Kishan at this point in time as a middle-order option. He could be a third-opening option as a keeper-batter. You need a left-hander and he also has an ODI double hundred,” he said.
Regarding the bowling unit, Chopra agreed about Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami’s inclusion. He also mentioned Yuzvendra Chahal as a likely selection and contemplated the inclusion of left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. However, Chopra noted that his final squad selection would depend on the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul.
“In the bowling, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and then I’ll look at Yuzi Chahal. I will think about Kuldeep Yadav as well. I can’t finalize my team now because we have to wait on Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul’s fitness,” Chopra added.
It is important to note that Chopra’s opinion represents his assessment, and the team management and selectors will make the final selection decisions closer to the tournament. The fitness status of key players will also play a significant role in determining the final World Cup squad.
