‘I would like to see him in final’ – Former India batter’s bold statement on Ishan Kishan ahead of WTC Final 2023
Ishan Kishan (source: Twitter)
The former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Ishan Kishan, rather than KS Bharat, should be selected for the Indian team to play Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. KL Rahul‘s withdrawal from the team due to a thigh injury he sustained during the Indian Premier League (IPL) led to the addition of Kishan, who was formerly listed as a reserve player.
“I would like to see him (Kishan) play in that one Test match. I know it’s a slightly out-of-the-box suggestion but we have seen KS Bharat and what he can do. He is a steady sort of batter and a decent keeper,” Manjrekar was quoted as saying in an interview with Star Sports on a show.
Rishabh Pant is India’s best Test batter for the last two years by a mile: Sanjay Manjrekar
Ishan Kishan has the ability to take on the role that Rishabh Pant has been playing for the Indian cricket team in recent years, according to Manjrekar. In 48 first-class games, Kishan has amassed 2985 runs overall at a respectable average of 38.76. He has also shown his fielding prowess by grabbing 99 catches, albeit not all of them were while serving as the wicketkeeper, and by carrying out 11 stumpings.
“We are missing Rishabh Pant, who was India’s best Test batter for the last two years by a mile. So if you want that Rishabh Pant kind of effect down the order to put pressure back on the opposition, maybe Ishan Kishan is the solution,” the 57-year-old asserted.
KS Bharat got the chance to participate in four Test matches during India’s recent home series against Australia. His performance as a wicketkeeper was competent, but he struggled as a batsman, scoring only 101 runs in six innings at an average of 20.20. It is unclear if the administration of the Indian team would stick with Bharat because of his outstanding qualities behind the wickets or choose Ishan Kishan because of his explosive batting ability. Undoubtedly, the choice will be intriguing for the Indian think institution.
