Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been doing everything to keep his place intact in India’s ODI set-up. He scored three fifties on the trot in the ODI series against West Indies before saving India against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 campaign opener in Kandy last week. A sudden top-order collapse left the men in blue reeling at 66 for 4 when Kishan joined forces with vice-captain Hardik Pandya to stitch a 138-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 Reserve Day Live
The 25-year-old has proved his mettle under pressure, no matter which position he is batting at. He is a trusted middle-order batter and has also done wonders as an opener. Former India cricketer Suresh Raina recalled his time with Ishan Kishan at Gujarat Lions during the IPL 2016 & 2017 and how the wicketkeeper-batter brought camaraderie and team spirit to the squad.
“I always said that Ishan Kishan has to open up because he is a strong character who maintains a good team atmosphere. He worked really hard even during those days. Since he hails from Ranchi he spoke to MS Dhoni, and everyone wants to be like Dhoni there. Also, because of the way Ishan contributed to Jharkhand, Dhoni told me to observe his wicket-keeping progress,” Raina told JioCinema.
“So, I told Finch that if Dwayne Smith and Brendon McCullum aren’t playing, then Ishan Kishan should open, I’ll bat at No. 3, and you can decide the rest of the batting lineup. I remember in one match, he hit 4-5 sixes in Rajkot against Mumbai Indians, and the way he showed intent is what a team needs. Just like Rishabh Pant, who keeps laughing and maintains good team bonding, that’s what’s crucial,” he added.
Kishan will be playing the first-ever ODI World Cup with the senior men’s team in less than a month’s time. But before that, his batting will be tested by the Pakistan bowling attack once again in the ongoing Asia Cup.
India will resume their innings from 147/2 in 24.1 overs on Monday after their Super Four clash was washed out due to rain on September 10.
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