Hardik Pandya struggled with the bat in India’s 10-wicket loss to Pakistan in the tournament opener, and he did not bowl owing to fitness concerns. Pandya, in fact, has not bowled since July of this year because of a back problem that has troubled him since 2018.
Ishan Kishan, on the other hand, struggled with the bat in IPL 2021 but found form in the last stages of the Mumbai Indians’ season. He also hit 70 not out in a warm-up match against England to reclaim his touch.
After losing their T20 World Cup opener against Pakistan, India is set to make a few changes. Virat Kohli may consider bringing in the in-form Ishan Kishan.
In this article, we look at reasons why Ishan Kishan should be in playing xi for India against New Zealand in the World Cup T20I match.
1. Ishan Kishan is in great form
Ishan Kishan, the left-handed batsman, is on fire. In the warm-up match against England, he hit an unbeaten 70 off just 56 balls. Towards the end of the IPL 2021, he also hit a pair of blazing innings (84 and unbeaten 50) for Mumbai Indians. Kohli may utilize him to guarantee that India scores a respectable number of runs.
2. A hard-hitter down the order
Ishan Kishan might be utilized as a substitute finisher by Virat Kohli and his teammates as Hardik Pandya struggles to fill the shoes of a finisher for Team India. He can play the finisher role Pandya has been playing for Team India. He’s been on fire recently and might be key for the Men in Blue in the next few games.
3. Great Fielder
Ishan Kishan is not only a good batsman, but he can also help on the field. With his quickness and on-field presence, he has the ability to influence the game. He has 19 catches in the Indian Premier League so far and is a valuable asset on the field.
4. IPL form
Ishan Kishan’s IPL 2021 had a lot of ups and downs. The wicketkeeper-batsman had a rough time in the UAE edition of the IPL 2021. Kishan had three consecutive failures due to his inability to react to the pace of the deliveries. He only managed 34 runs in three innings, taking 35 deliveries. Kishan made a great comeback as an opener against Rajasthan Royals, scoring an unbeaten 50 off 25 balls. The Mumbai Indians needed to win by 171 runs in the following game. Kishan put aside his inhibitions and hammered 84 runs off 32 balls against the Sunrisers, aiming for a massive total. While Mumbai Indians’ journey came to an end, Kishan’s form was on the rise again.
5. Versatile Batsman
Kishan, a versatile player, made his debut for India at No. 3 and scored fifty runs. As a result, he is anticipated to rise to the occasion in the forthcoming match against the Kiwis. He can also bat at No. 4, 5, or 6 as a floater. He has the potential to play a mature inning and can also hit right away.
