As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the commencement of IPL 2024, renowned commentator Aakash Chopra has placed his bets on the Mumbai Indians‘ duo, Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma, to forge a formidable opening partnership in the upcoming season. Reflecting on their performances in IPL 2023, Chopra highlighted Kishan’s promising display, where he accumulated 454 runs in 15 innings with a respectable average of 30.27 and a strike rate of 142.76. In contrast, Rohit Sharma encountered a turbulent season, amassing 332 runs in 16 innings, averaging 20.75 with a strike rate of 132.80.
Chopra’s pre-season rankings position Yashasvi Jaiswal–Jos Buttler and Ruturaj Gaikwad-Devon Conway as the top two opening pairs for IPL 2024, with Kishan-Rohit securing the third spot. Despite Kishan’s omission from the recent BCCI central contracts, Chopra believes a stellar IPL campaign could propel him into contention for India’s T20 World Cup squad. However, with the opening slots appearing congested, Kishan faces a significant challenge in realizing his aspirations.
“I want to move towards Mumbai now. Firstly, you have released Rohit Sharma from captaincy duties. When we talk about a top-class player like Rohit Sharma, we say that a 600-run season will be there for sure. However, he has never had a 600-run season. This could be that season,” Chopra expressed on his YouTube Channel.
“There is nothing to prove per se, but, then, there is a lot to prove. I feel he will hit a lot as he is not the captain. Ishan Kishan will be hungry, as he has not got a central contract. This is the only thing he is playing. What else is he playing?” he added.
Chopra emphasized that youth and talent are on Kishan’s side as he gears up for IPL 2024, marking a timely platform to revive his prospects. He emphasized the importance of letting his performance with the bat speak louder than recent setbacks, asserting that a strong showing in the tournament could reignite his chances for the Indian team. IPL 2024 emerges as a pivotal juncture in Kishan’s career, presenting him with a prime opportunity to reaffirm his worth and stake a spot in the national side.
“Either he has himself opted not to play, or he won’t be selected now. So this is his chance. If you make the IPL your own, you have chances of going forward. Then there is, of course, Wankhede’s flat pitch. The ball will come nicely onto the bat and go far,” Chopra concluded.
As the IPL season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Mumbai Indians’ opening duo to set the stage alight and stake their claim on the international platform.
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