Picture Credit: BCCI
Ishan Kishan is set to open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma in the ODI series against West Indies. Team India has been hit hard due to some of their players, including openers Shikhar Dhawan and Ruturaj Gaikwad, being tested COVID positive on Wednesday. Reports have suggested that the wicket-keeper batsman Ishan Kishan, who is a specialist opener, has been added to the ODI squad.
Mayank Agarwal was also added to the squad, but will only be available on the match day as his mandatory three-day quarantine has started. Earlier Ishan Kishan was named to the T20 squad. Notably, Kishan made his ODI debut last year and opened his account with a massive six. He also went on to make a quickfire half-century on his ODI debut. India is set to play a three-match ODI series against West Indies here, beginning February 6.
Saba Karim backs Ishan Kishan
Earlier, former Indian wicket-keeper batter Saba Karim backed Ishan Kishan by saying that the way he plays, he always keeps his strike rate high, "which means he can take good advantage of the powerplay." Adding further, Saba Karim informed that management is left with no choice due to the Covid outbreak but to send Ishan Kishan alongside Rohit Sharma.
Emphasising Kishan's approach, Saba Karim added that Ishan's style would help Rohit Sharma take some time to settle in as the prolific opener is returning after a long time. "I feel this right and left-handed combination where both the players have a different style of play will pose a tough challenge to bowlers," said Saba Karim.