Play Ishan Kishan throughout Asia Cup 2023: Robin Uthappa on India’s wicket-keeper selection dilemma

With KL Rahul regaining full fitness, India’s think tank will be scratching their heads for the wicket-keeper selection. In the absence of KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan grabbed his opportunity with both hands as he scored a fine knock of 82 runs off just 81 balls in the group stage match against Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup.

India was struggling at 66-4 when Kishan stitched a crucial alliance of 138 runs off just 141 balls with vice-captain Hardik Pandya to help the team post 266 runs on the board but the match was abandoned due to rain.

On the other hand, Rahul has been performing consistently but he is making a comeback to the team after a long time. Rahul has scored 1986 runs in 54 ODI matches at an average of 45.14.

However, former Indian batter Robin Uthappa has urged the team management to play Ishan Kishan throughout the ongoing Asia Cup and give chances to KL Rahul in the three-match ODI series against Australia.

“It will be difficult to play both Kishan and KL in the Indian line-up at the Asia Cup because Shreyas Iyer has also just returned from injury. He is a very good player and he needs to be in the mix for India’s sake. Shreyas Iyer needs to be given more chances,” said Uthappa on ESPN Cricinfo.

“Ishan Kishan needs to have confidence going into the ODI World Cup, so I will play him throughout this tournament. I will urge the team management to play KL Rahul in all three matches against Australia instead,” added Uthappa.

Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan provides a left-handed option in the middle order but it is not his natural batting position as he is a regular opener whereas Rahul brings more experience to the table.

India will take on Pakistan in the Super Fours stage at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Sunday.