India's World Cup-winning all-rounder delivers conclusive verdict on Ishan Kishan vs KL Rahul for ICC event
Ishan Kishan produced a strong performance throughout the ODI series against West Indies.
Team India resumed their preparations for the ODI World Cup in October-November with the West Indies series, where the Men In Blue registered a 2-1 win. It was a series that drew some criticism over India's experimentation with the batting order – in addition to captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli resting in 2nd and 3rd ODIs – but the result came in India's favour, thanks to some brilliant individual performances. Young wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan was, perhaps, the most consistent of all, as he scored half-centuries in all three games while opening the batting for the side.
There were debates over Ishan's position as well, as India's current first-choice wicketkeeper – KL Rahul – bats at No.5 in the order. With Rahul currently injured, many believed India missed an opportunity to test Ishan at a similar spot. Regardless, the youngster did impress fans and former cricketers alike with his performances but ex-India all-rounder Madan Lal believes Ishan might still be the second-choice once Rahul returns to the fold.
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Lal insisted that once Rahul returns, he might be backed by the Indian team management, whether it be in the Asia Cup or the World Cup. “It is quite a debate. The thing with Rahul is that he has just recovered, he will play matches, we will get to know about his form. Maybe we can send two wicketkeepers for the World Cup, KL Rahul and Ishan. Ishan is playing really well and has made a case for himself. We will see how Rahul plays. According to me, the team management will go with Rahul,” the former all-rounder told ANI.
Ishan was named the 'Player of the Series' against West Indies in ODIs as he scored 184 runs in three matches with half-centuries. Ishan has smashed a double century and six fifties in 16 ODI innings, in which he has scored 694 runs at an average of 46.26, with a strike rate above 107.
Team India will return to action in the fifty-over format in the Asia Cup, which starts August 30. The Rohit Sharma-led side will begin its campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 2, with Nepal being the third side in India's group.
