Ishan Kishan’s impressive half-century at the top of the order in the first ODI against the West Indies has sparked discussions about India’s second wicketkeeper-batter for the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup. While Kishan’s performance showcased his capabilities as an opener, cricket analyst Aakash Chopra believes it may not have clarified India’s plans for the middle-order batting position. Despite his impressive knock, questions remain about whether Kishan can secure a spot ahead of Sanju Samson as India’s second wicketkeeper-batter behind KL Rahul.
In the first ODI against the West Indies, India bowled out the hosts for a meager 114 runs after opting to bowl first. Ishan Kishan, opening the batting, played a crucial role, scoring a brisk 46-ball 52. His performance and support from Rohit Sharma and others enabled India to chase down the target comfortably with five wickets and 27.1 overs to spare.
In a video on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra shared his thoughts on Kishan’s fifty and its implications for the team’s selection. He pointed out that Kishan’s credentials at the top of the order were never in doubt, as he was initially slotted to bat at No. 4. This suggested that the team considered him the second wicketkeeper-batter who would bat in the middle order.
Aakash Chopra said, “There was a big question in batting that whether Sanju Samson or Ishan Kishan will play. Ishan Kishan opening and scoring a fifty has not told me anything. I already knew that Ishan Kishan is a good player.”
Chopra emphasized that while Kishan’s performance as an opener proved his capabilities in that position, it did not clarify his role as a middle-order batter. If India is considering Kishan for the middle-order role, his opening the batting may not have served as a proper audition.
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Chopra further stated, “Ishan Kishan was slotted to bat at No. 4, from which you could understand that this team is looking at him as the second wicketkeeper who will bat in the middle order makes a lot of sense. However, you got him to open, and he scored a fifty. He is going to do that. He has scored a double hundred in ODIs.”
While Ishan Kishan is undoubtedly a strong candidate if India is looking for a third opener, with Shikhar Dhawan, not part of the team, assessing his suitability for the middle-order position is crucial. The middle order is an essential area where India needs stability and firepower. Auditing players in their potential roles is necessary to make informed selections for the ODI World Cup.
