Kishan’s Heroics in Rain-Interrupted India-Pakistan Clash Spark Heated Debate: Name or Form for World Cup Squad?

The rain-marred 2023 Asia Cup clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan may have disappointed fans with its washout, but it has ignited a fierce debate within the Indian cricket fraternity, especially with the ICC ODI World Cup just a month away. The centre of this debate? The battle for the coveted role of frontline wicketkeeper-batter in the Indian squad.

Ishan Kishan impresses against Pakistan 

Ishan Kishan drafted into the playing XI due to KL Rahul’s injury concerns, showcased his mettle with an impressive knock of 82 off 81 against Pakistan. His partnership with Hardik Pandya, who scored 87, breathed life into India’s innings against their arch-rivals. While the rain eventually had the final say, Kishan’s performance sparked a fiery discussion on who should don the gloves and bat at a crucial position in the upcoming World Cup. The situation escalated to such an extent that former Indian cricketers Gautam Gambhir and Mohammad Kaif engaged in a heated exchange during a live TV discussion.

Kishan, known for his aggressive batting and remarkable adaptability to various positions in the order, has been India’s backup wicketkeeping option despite his remarkable double-century and consistent performances. KL Rahul, initially named as the primary choice wicketkeeper-batter, had to withdraw from the Asia Cup due to injury concerns. However, Rahul stayed back at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for rehab and fitness assessments, with his departure to Sri Lanka contingent on a fitness test scheduled for September 5.

In Rahul’s absence, Ishan Kishan faced Pakistan’s formidable pace attack, including Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, amidst rain delays. Despite the challenging conditions, Kishan and Pandya stitched a record-breaking 138-run partnership, the highest fifth-wicket stand for India against Pakistan in an ODI, helping India post a competitive total of 266 runs in 48.5 overs. 

The Gautam Gambhir vs. Mohammad Kaif debate

The debate surrounding Kishan’s place in the squad intensified when Mohammad Kaif, during a discussion with Star Sports, emphasized that KL Rahul should return to the XI once fit. Kaif justified his stance by highlighting Rahul’s exceptional match-winning abilities and impressive statistics, especially at the crucial number 5 position. 

“Kl Rahul is a proven match-winner. At No. 5, his numbers are fabulous. So Rahul Dravid knows, there is that clarity in his mind that…remember, Mohammed Shami was dropped today. So, when KL Rahul is fit again, he will be playing in the XI and Ishan Kishan will have to wait for his next opportunity. Ishan is doing all that he needs. He scored in that series against West Indies…his graph is only going up and is getting better by the day. He has a double century to his name as well. He has class and talent but he cannot replace Rahul yet because the latter is not playing because of bad form, but due to an injury,” he said.

However, Gautam Gambhir, seated alongside Kaif, posed a compelling question: “To win the World Cup, is a name more important or current form?” He emphasized that the focus should be on a player’s current form, not just their name, in the pursuit of World Cup glory. Gambhir challenged the conventional wisdom of favouring established players over in-form talents by using the hypothetical scenario of Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma in place of Kishan.

“Had Kohli or Rohit made those four consecutive fifties, would you have said the same thing about KL Rahul? When you are preparing to win a World Cup, you don’t look at a name, you look at the form of a player that could win you the trophy,” Gambhir said.

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