World Cup 2023: The announcement of India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming World Cup has sparked conversations around team selection. Notably, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his weight behind the decision to include Ishan Kishan as the backup wicketkeeper. Kishan has secured a spot in the team, while Sanju Samson is the one missing out. With KL Rahul likely to be the primary wicketkeeper, subject to his fitness, the selection of Kishan has some fans debating.
However, Ashwin believes the decision is spot on. In a recent YouTube video, he argued that Kishan offers a range of skills that set him apart. According to Ashwin, there’s no real competition between Kishan and Samson, as Kishan ticks multiple boxes. “Ishan Kishan is a 2-in-1 player,” Ashwin said. “He’s your backup opener and your backup number 5, and he’s scoring runs in both positions.”
Additionally, Ashwin emphasized Kishan’s value as a team player. He revealed that Kishan adds a positive dynamic to the dressing room, describing him as an “extraordinary team man.” This intangible quality, Ashwin insists, is as critical as the runs Kishan scores or the catches he takes.
This selection revelation comes on the heels of India’s squad announcement for the World Cup. Led by captain Rohit Sharma, the team also features batting heavyweights like Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and Suryakumar Yadav. Kishan’s inclusion offers yet another robust batting option along with his wicketkeeping skills.
Ravichandran Ashwin Endorses Ishan Kishan’s Inclusion in India’s World Cup 2023 Squad
Moreover, the squad balances experience and youth in the all-rounders and bowlers. Players like Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Shardul Thakur offer a blend of batting and bowling prowess. The pace attack features a fit-again Jasprit Bumrah, alongside Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj. Kuldeep Yadav rounds out the squad as the leading spin option.
“If you look at Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson, there is no competition between the two. What i mean is that Ishan Kishan fills many roles. When you pick up a 15-member squad, you need a backup wicketkeeper. For instance, you pick an extra wicketkeeper while naming Ranji Trophy squads. So, India need two wicketkeepers. Ishan Kishan is a back-up opener. He is a 2-in-1 player. He is your backup number 5 too. He is scoring runs there too,” Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel.
“Another thing with Ishan Kishan that doesn’t meet the eye is that he is an extraordinary team man. He gives positive vibes to the players in the XI,” he added.
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Currently, Team India is focusing on the Asia Cup and has advanced to the Super 4 stage. Fresh off a must-win victory against Nepal, the team is set to take on arch-rival Pakistan in their opening match of this next stage.
Ashwin’s endorsement of Kishan is more than just an opinion; it reflects the player’s multi-faceted contributions to the team. As India gears up for the high stakes of the World Cup, the flexibility and depth offered by players like Kishan may prove invaluable. It appears that the selectors, backed by seasoned players like Ashwin, are prioritizing a multi-skilled approach as they aim for cricket’s ultimate prize.
