Suryakumar Yadav has strongly hinted at Ishan Kishan's crucial role in India's T20 World Cup campaign, confirming that the left-handed batter will not bat below No. 3. This statement comes ahead of India's opening match against the USA on Saturday.
The Indian captain's words suggest that Kishan is likely to open the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma. This strategic move potentially pushes Sanju Samson out of the opening role. During the warm-up match against South Africa, Kishan opened the innings with Sharma, further solidifying this possibility. Kishan seized the opportunity, scoring a rapid 53 off just 20 balls before retiring. Samson, on the other hand, did not get a chance to play in the warm-up.
Yadav expressed confidence in Kishan's aggressive approach, hoping he continues to play with the same intent throughout the tournament, regardless of his batting position. "Definitely. The way he's played cricket in the last five T20s, it was an international game, so he show a lot. But if you look at the domestic cricket he was playing. The Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20. He batted like this in that too. And he came here and carried the same thing," Yadav said. He further added, "Even though he got an opportunity at number 3, and he opened in the warm-up game yesterday. So I hope he keeps batting like this. Whatever position he plays. He won't play below 3, but whatever opportunity he gets, he'll keep batting like this".
Kishan's selection is seen as a result of his impressive performances in both domestic and international cricket. Following a comeback after more than two years, he made significant impact, including a maiden T20I century against New Zealand. He was also the highest run-scorer for Jharkhand in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where his team emerged victorious. Kishan also displayed excellent form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Yadav acknowledged the "good headache" of having multiple left-handed batters in the squad. He downplayed concerns about the left-right combination, stating that the team has enough experience and practice to handle different bowling types. "Are you enjoying watching the fours and sixes being hit or not? I think it is a good headache and I feel it is an over-rated conversation. At this stage, when you have played so much cricket against the left-arm spinners or off-spinners, whatever it is, you have played enough cricket and you (also) have practiced a lot," Suryakumar said.
Ishan Kishan, a 27-year-old wicket-keeper batsman, made his international debut in March 2021. He plays for Jharkhand in domestic cricket and represents Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League.