Ishan Kishan replaced Rohit Sharma in the playing XI for the 3rd ODI against Bangladesh on Saturday. The Jharkhand cricketer made the best use of his chance as he scored a brilliant 210 in 131 balls. He became the youngster cricketer to hit a double century in ODIs and also became the first left-hander to do it for India. With this amazing knock, surely, it will be hard for management to deny him frequent opportunities. This would indirectly result in fewer chances for other wicket-keepers. On that note, here, we take a look at two Indian wicket-keepers whose opportunities might reduce after Ishan Kishan’s double hundred.
I cannot put into words what I’m feeling right now but I’ll try. I’m overwhelmed by the love, the messages, the wishes. This is an innings that will stay in my heart forever, a day that I won’t forget, and these moments that I’ll always carry with me. Thank you for everything 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/xlNzuWxA4w
— Ishan Kishan (@ishankishan51) December 10, 2022
Advertisement
1) Rishabh Pant
Before the ODI series against Bangladesh, Rishabh Pant was released from the squad. In his absence, KL Rahul kept wickets for the team. Now, with Pant also having issues with his form, his position could come under more difficulty with Ishan’s form.
While Pant has also been explored as an opener, it is Ishan who has grabbed his chance first. Although Pant will still be backed to do the role in the middle order, the margin for error will be less. The Delhi cricketer must prove his credentials as a pure batter as India now has many options to keep wickets.
2) Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson is one of the Indian wicket-keepers whose opportunities might reduce after Ishan Kishan’s double hundred. Another player who will have a shortage of game time due to Ishan’s knock will be Sanju Samson. In fact, even now, Sanju anyways has not been able to get chances often.
With Ishan also now throwing his hat into the fray, it will get harder for Ishan to get his spot in the XI. At least as an opener, it is almost impossible and Sanju’s only chance is to operate as a finisher in the ODI squad. He definitely has the skills to excel but for now, he is the third in the pecking order for wicket-keepers, assuming KL Rahul is not in the list of competitors.
