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The first half of the opening T20I of the 3-match series between India and Sri Lanka produced a lot of entertainment for the fans. Amid the slight drizzle in Colombo, the Men in Blue managed to post a competitive total of 164/5 in 20 overs, setting up for an even exciting second phase of the match. Suryakumar Yadav was the star performer once again for the Indian side as he smashed a scintillating half-century.
The team selection was always going to be something to watch out for India, coming into the 1st T20I. While there were a few spots up for grabs in the side, the big question was - Will India play Sanju Samson or Ishan Kishan? Interestingly, India decided to name both the wicketkeepers in the Playing XI and they both got their chances to impress everyone with their batting on Sunday.
Was that Ishan Kishan or Rishabh Pant?
While Sanju Samson failed to capitalize on his steady start as he was dismissed on 27 while batting at No. 3, Ishan Kishan had to wait in the dugout for quite some time before he came to bat. Batting at No. 6, the 23-year-old did not have much time to settle as he had the task to score some quickfire runs towards the end of the innings. This is when Ishan Kishan unleashed his inner Rishabh Pant in Colombo.
The wicketkeeping duo, who played together for India's under-19 team in 2016, have a lot of resemblance in their batting style, technique and approach. They are often termed as the identical twins of India's cricket because of so many similarities that they share. Another glimpse of the same was visible during the 1st T20I when Kishan played a few shots which were very identical to the ones usually played by Rishabh Pant.
From his slice on the off-side in 17th over to a huge six that was hit towards mid-wicket region in the 18th over, fans were actually seeing a duplicate copy of Rishabh Pant at R. Premadasa Stadium. The belief of everyone was enhanced on the penultimate delivery of the last over when Kishan tried to play an audacious shot towards the covers region.
Watch the video here:
On-air commentator Sanjay Manjrekar also suggested that there were traits of Rishabh Pant in Ishan Kishan in that shot. Hence, we can say that the comparisons that are often made between the two talented wicketkeepers are quite justified as they are very similar in a lot of aspects.