Ishan Kishan or Shubman Gill? India face opening dilemma for Asia Cup 2023

India Cricket Team has a big dilemma ahead of IND vs PAK clash in Asia Cup 2023 on September 2. To note, there are two prominent contenders for the spot including Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan. Skipper Rohit Sharma is the obvious choice as the first opener. But with KL Rahul ruled out of the India vs Pakistan clash, Team India have to accommodate Kishan as he is the only other wicketkeeper in the squad. But at which spot would he play?

Head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma will have to search for answers during India’s Asia Cup camp, starting today in Alur near Bengaluru. The camp will go on till August 29 at the National Cricket Academy.

Shubman Gill to open in Asia Cup 2023?

Shubman Gill has been in prolific touch in the 50-over format. The right-handed batter has opened the innings in 23 matches so far and has amassed 1,258 runs at an average of 66.21. He also has a strike rate of above 100. Gill has stroked three centuries, six fifties and one double century as well.

As compared to Kishan, Shubman is more technically sound and holds the ability to play long innings once set. The right-handed batter looks extremely comfortable against spin bowling. He has his ways to counter the new ball as well. However, Shubman has lost his form recently as he failed to get going in the recently concluded India tour of West Indies.

Despite his poor run recently, Gill still boasts an average of 68.18 in the 50-over format this year. In 2023, he has played 15 matches and amassed 750 runs which includes three hundreds and two half-centuries. Gill is also playing at a healthy strike rate of almost 110. The 23-year-old might be the prime candidate to open the innings alongside skipper Rohit.

What about Ishan Kishan?

Kishan was in absolute sublime form during India’s last 50-over outings. Playing against West Indies, the left-handed batter was the highest run-getter in the three-match series smashing 184 runs in just 3 innings at an excellent average of 61.33. The Southpaw took the attack to the opposition bowlers in field restrictions which might be the right template for the upcoming events including Asia Cup and World Cup 2023.

Speaking about Kishan’s overall numbers in ODIs, the 25-year-old has made 17 outings in the 50-over format and has amassed 694 runs at a good average of 107.43. Just like Gill, Kishan also has a double century in the format which he smashed against Bangladesh last year. Apart from that, he has stroked 6 fifties and one century.

Despite not being as technically sound as Gill, Kishan is quite deadly in the powerplay and can score at a great pace. Kishan also has the ability to take the game away from the opposition in a matter of few overs as the pocket dynamite holds immense power and can clear any boundary ropes on his day.

Ishan Kishan or Shubman Gill?

In Kishan, India will gain a left-hander in the opening slot.
With Shaheen Afridi a big threat against right-handers, Ishan Kishan can be a good left-hand option, especially considering, India’s Top 4 are all right-handers.
If Kishan is promoted, India have to find a place for Shubman Gill.
One option is to play him at No 4 with Virat Kohli at No 3.
But Shubman hasn’t done anything significant when dropped down the order. Hence, it will be wise to play Ishan at No 3 keeping Shubman’s opening role intact.

Cricket Asia Cup India Cricket Team