With Rishabh Pant still recuperating from his injuries, Team India's viable option for wicketkeeper's slot is none other than Ishan Kishan. The southpaw has slotted in nicely and has a double-hundred to go with it as well. (More Cricket news)
And that's why former BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly has picked Kishan for the wicketkeeper-batter's slot for the Asia Cup 2023 as well as ODI World Cup later this year.
Team India are yet to close down on their first-choice wicketkeeper-batter for the mega events. In Pant's absence, Indian selectors will have a choice to make between Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson and KL Rahul, who is currently out injured.
However, Ganguly opined that Kishan stakes his claim in the ODI World Cup squad purely due to the latter's explosive batting.
"Pant is the best wicketkeeper in the country, but you can see Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul (depending on his fitness); these two will be right up in Rohit's and Rahul's minds. I like Ishan Kishan because he just opens up the game for any team. I am sure Dravid will keep him in his plans," Ganguly said at an event.
'Dada' also put forward the plan that the Indian team should have a mixture of experienced as well as fresh faces in the team.
"It has to be a team of experience and people who don't have any scars -- like Jaiswal, Varma, Ishan Kishan. They can go and play fearless cricket. Rahul (Dravid), Rohit and the selectors have plenty of choices; they just have to identify and pick the best XI," he said.
Kishan has played 17 ODIs so far, scoring 694 runs at an average of 46.26. He also has double century to his name, along with six half-centuries.
