With Rishabh Pant Ruled Out Of World Cup, It's Ishan Kishan's Chance To Make A Mark

The World Cup is less than 2 months away and India are sweating over the fitness of some players while one key player is ruled out of the tournament. Yes, Rishabh Pant, who is recovering from injury after a car accident late last year, will not take part. With KL Rahul also in doubt as he races against time to be fit, Ishan Kishan has been granted an opportunity.

The exciting keeper-batter has already made an impression behind the stumps and in front of them. In December 2022, he slammed the fastest ODI 200 in just 126 balls. At times he has played as a specialist batter but it is a keeper and batter that India will need his services.

Fitness issues for Team India

Even if Rahul is fit for the World Cup, it means Ishan could be the 2nd choice keeper. If Ishan is chosen as 1st choice then Sanju Samson may be the 2nd choice keeper.

For Ishan, this is an opportunity to do well on the big stage. It could be the coming of age for the cricketer. If he wants to be a regular on the side for the next decade or so, Ishan needs good performances on the biggest stage of all.

BCCI

KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer will in all likelihood not be picked for this edition of the Asia Cup, as per Cricbuzz. The squad will be announced this week in all probability. BCCI sources have revealed that they have not regained enough fitness to be considered for the tournament that will be held from August 30 to September 17.

Selection conundrum

In spite of the fact that they both provide fitness updates on social media, BCCI insiders indicate that it's too early for them to be put back in international cricket. Nonetheless, they are still in contention for spots in the World Cup squad if they recover completely. In fact, their comeback may take place in the ODIs vs Australia towards the end of September.

Their absence also means that a majority of the players who played the ODIs vs West Indies will be there for the Asia Cup. But we will see Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami and comeback man Jasprit Bumrah back in the side.

ANI

Team combination

Prasidh Krishna is also on his way back after injury but he might just miss out. Kishan is all set for the Asia Cup and even if Rahul is fit, may be considered as a keeper-batter for the World Cup as well.

If Ishan plays, the management will need to stabilise the opening slots since Rohit Sharma will also come back into the side. There is a possibility that Ishan and Rohit may open while Shubman Gill may move down to the middle order. The final team will be decided during the Asia Cup preparatory camp which will be in Bengaluru from August 24 to 29. India's opening Asia Cup game is vs Pakistan on September 2.