Ishan Kishan vs KL Rahul, who to pick for the No. 5 spot, is a conundrum that Indian management faces after the southpaw played a scintillating 82-run knock against Pakistan. Kishan, who was picked ahead of Samson for the spot, was criticised by fans and experts alike but has silenced everyone with his gritty performance. Now, the question arises: who to pick for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023?
Ishan Kishan vs KL Rahul: stats at number 5
KL Rahul has played 19 out of his 57 matches in the number 5 position. Compared to his career ODI average of 46.84, Rahul’s average at the spot is 52.06. His strike rate also improved from 86.79 (career) to 98.73 (number 5). One of his 6 centuries and seven of his 13 fifties have come in at the number-five spot.
The right-hander scores 50 or more runs in almost every second inning he plays but has a poor conversion rate of 14% due to batting lower down the order.
| Position | Time | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 2017-2023 | 19 | 781 | 112 | 52.06 | 98.73 | 1 | 7 |
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Ishan Kishan, in comparison, has played just two matches at the spot. However, his knock of 82 off 81 balls after coming in to bat when India was 48-3 has forced the Indian management and fans to take a look at the southpaw. Compared to his career average of 45.22, Kishan averages 43.50 at the number 5 spot.
The Jharkhand cricketer also made his 7th career fifty while batting at the spot. Being a left-hander, Kishan also provides India with a left-hand combination in the middle order, something India has been lacking ever since Rishabh Pant’s unfortunate accident in December last year.
