IND vs WI: Ishan Kishan to open alongside Rohit Sharma in 1st ODI
Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma (Image source: Twitter)
India skipper Rohit Sharma has confirmed that Ishan Kishan will be opening alongside him in the first ODI against West Indies. The Indian camp was jolted by a COVID-19 outbreak as regular openers Shikhar Dhawan and Ruturaj Gaikwad were ruled out of the series. Also, India vice-captain KL Rahul will not be available for the first game due to personal reasons.
The BCCI had included Mayank Agarwal and Ishan Kishan in the India squad but the management decided to give the southpaw the first shot at the top as Mayank Agarwal is still in quarantine.
“Ishan Kishan will open the innings with me. He is the only option we are left with. Mayank Agarwal was added to the squad but, he is still in quarantine according to the rules that’ve been set”, said Rohit Sharma during the press conference ahead of the first ODI against the West Indies.
Meanwhile, along with Dhawan and Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer also tested positive, which has left a vacant spot in the middle order. Thus, even when KL Rahul comes back into the team, Ishan can be slotted in the middle order. There are also a few reports that Deepak Hooda may be making his debut the first ODI thus he along with Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav will comprise the middle order. The fans may also see Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal playing together after a long time.
