In the India-South Africa T20I series, Ishan Kishan amassed 206 runs at an average of 41.20 over five games.
In the just-finished India-South Africa T20I series, Ishan Kishan was the leading run-scorer for both teams. An average of 41.20 was posted by the left-handed opener in his five appearances. As well as two half-centuries, he had a 150.36 strike rate. T20I positions on the Indian cricket team are quite competitive. Opening batsmen Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul are among those on the list. Kishan is another candidate in the running for the role. Despite his impressive record, he believes “statistics don’t tell the whole story” and Kishan needs to do more.
This series has seen some solid figures from I.K., but statistics don’t often tell the whole story. Even in the Indian Premier League, he was a consistent performer, amassing over 400 runs. Ashish Nehra, in a conversation on Cricbuzz, observed that while Ishan Kishan has a high strike rate, maintaining it will be difficult for a player of his caliber, especially in T20Is.
“That’s how he plays. However, when he scores huge runs, they must have a tremendous impact. During the first game against South Africa, he scored 76 runs, but he didn’t appear to be in the best of spirits. That match was over for India. With two outs left, he began to crank up the pace. There were still runs from his bat in the later matches, but this is an opening you’re talking about. Convert the 20-25 into 60-70 for you. Ishan Kishan has room to grow as a player. As a young man, he has many potentials.”
Sunil Gavaskar, a renowned Indian batsman, declared during the 5th T20I in Bengaluru that Rohit and Rahul would be the best opening partnership for the T20 World Cup.
When questioned about India’s ideal World Cup opening partnership, Gavaskar replied, “I would imagine the opening combination would be, if KL Rahul is fit, then KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma.”
Graeme Smith, a former captain of South Africa, concurred with Gavaskar and explained why Kishan will not overtake the two senior players of India’s team despite his impressive form.
In the same vein, I’d support Sunny. Those are two excellent starting batters, in my opinion. Ishan Kishan will get all the attention, but I believe India will have two terrific batsmen at the top of the order in Kl Rahul and Rohit Sharma,” Smith remarked.
India’s two-match T20I series in Ireland gives Ishan Kishan plenty of opportunities to make his case.
