Ishan Kishan or Sanju Samson? Akash Chopra gives crucial insights as KL Rahul’s absence brings back issues in India’s middle order in Asia Cup 2023

Last week, Team India announced their 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, which saw the likes of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer return to international cricket after a while. However, a slight niggle for Rahul has once again created a headache for the Indian management as the wicket-keeper batter has been ruled out of the first two matches of the 2023 Asia Cup, which starts on August 30.

Rahul’s absence has caused concern in India’s middle order as head coach Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma have to fill the void at the No. 5 spot. With Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson (travelling reserve) already being part of the Asia Cup squad, they are likely to take up the role of wicketkeeper batter.

However, who should replace Rahul among Kishan and Sanju is the question around the Indian cricket fraternity. Kishan was played as an opener in the ODIs as he did not perform well in the middle order, while Samson was tested and performed decently in the middle order. Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer and prominent cricket analyst Aakash Chopra gave some insights in light of the latest developments in Team India.

Sanju Samson can enter the team: Chopra 

Chopra has backed Samson to be India’s wicketkeeper in the clash against Pakistan due to his consistent performances in the middle order. Meanwhile, the former Indian opener suggested that India could go with Kishan and Rohit in the opening for a left-hand right-hand combination at the top of the order.

“If KL Rahul is unavailable, Ishan Kishan’s placement becomes key. Sanju Samson can also replace him as a travel reserve – I am assuming without Rahul, Sanju Samson can enter the team. Given a No. 5 batter is needed, selection should be based on that specific condition. Samson, a middle-order batsman and keeper, should be the backup,” Chopra said.

“While it’s ideal, it’s unlikely. The Indian team values left-right openers, which means Ishan and Rohit, sidelining Gill. And Tilak could be picked over Suryakumar for a left-right combo, which matters up and down the order, plus he gives you a few overs of bowling,” he added.

Chopra’s opinion on Virat Kohli’s batting spot

While there is a lot of debate surrounding Virat Kohli’s batting position, Chopra has given his opinion on that too. The 45-year-old believes that Kohli can be effective at his strong No. 3 although the former India captain has impressive stats batting at No.4.

“There are two parameters to judge this. First, Virat Kohli’s success at No. 4 is good, but at No. 3 it’s exceptional. A significant sample size reinforces this and his peak equals India’s best,” Chopra concluded.