Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid have worked out a contingency plan for KL Rahul in the Asia Cup 2023 campaign. On Day 4 of the Indian Cricket Team’s training camp, Ishan Kishan was spotted spending hours behind the stumps. On the other hand, though KL Rahul kept wickets on Day 3, he solely focussed on batting. Therefore in a bid to fit Ishan Kishan in the playing XI, the southpaw is likely to open proceedings, but where will Rohit play?
KL Rahul is yet to be 100% fit and will miss the IND vs PAK clash on 2nd September as BCCI Selection Committee Chairman Ajit Agarkar said previously. What other options does India have? Ishan Kishan is the only keeper as Sanju Samson remains as the traveling reserve. KL Rahul batted for sometime but it was Kishan who had long sessions behind the stumps.
Where does Ishan Kishan fit in India’s Playing XI?
There has been a lot of talk in the town regarding India’s top order and where and how will KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer play. Now that KL Rahul is not playing the match against Pakistan, Ishan Kishan is the sole candidate behind the stumps. Now this is where the problem lies. Kishan is a good finisher and has flourished down the order owing to his destructive style.
New role for Rohit Sharma? Captain pairs with Shreyas Iyer in Asia Cup camp
But the southpaw has also showcased his worth, while opening innings for India. But in all likelihood, Kishan will open the innings with Rohit Sharma for India. This can in turn benefit the Indians. Off late Rohit and Shubman Gill have been the designated opening pair for India, but now with the inclusion of a left-hander, it will be an added benefit for India to use the left-right-handed combo.
But in a turn of events, skipper Rohit Sharma was spotted batting long sessions with Shreyas Iyer where the duo looked quite comfortable in hitting the shots as well as rotating the strikes. If Gill and Kishan open for India and Virat Kohli retains his preferred number 3 spot, Rohit Sharma just might demote himself to number 4 with Iyer filling in at number 5.
Editor's Pick
Top Stories
