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'He Just Opens Up The Game...,' Sourav Ganguly Backs Ishan Kishan For A World Cup Spot

image-llj6spynIshan Kishan was outstanding in the ODI series against India (Source: AP Photos)

Former captain Sourav Ganguly has given his take on India’s current wicketkeeping conundrum for the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup. As Rishabh Pant continues to attain full recovery from his injury, the cricketer-turned-administrator recently named Ishan Kishan as one of his two preferences for the tournament, alongside batting veteran KL Rahul.

Ganguly particularly singled out Kishan, and praised the youngsters’ explosive abilities with the bat.

Ganguly says Kishan can open up the game for any team

India’s regular wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant was involved in a freak car accident last December, prompting him to miss all levels of competitive cricket to date. Pant’s path to full recovery might well last beyond the 2023 World Cup in India, leaving the team management to zero-in on an alternate keeper for the tournament.

Legendary captain Sourav Ganguly believes Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul are well suited to take up the role, even though the latter of the two recently recovered from an injury himself. While attending an event, Ganguly stated that he is hoping that current captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid are keeping Kishan in their plans, considering his dynamic abilities with the bat. The former BCCI president said:

“Pant is the best wicketkeeper in the country, but you can see Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul; these two will be right up in Rohit's and Rahul's minds. I like Ishan Kishan because he just opens up the game for any team. I am sure Dravid will keep him in his plans.”

Ishan Kishan’s World Cup fate will be largely influenced by his performance at the upcoming Asia Cup, depending if he is selected for the continental event in Sri Lanka.

The 25-year-old has already represented Team India in 17 ODIs since his international debut two years ago. Back in December 2022, the left-hander bludgeoned 210 against Bangladesh to become only the fifth Indian in ODI history to score a double hundred.