‘Mil gaya left-handed opener’ – Fans react as Ishan Kishan hits 4th consecutive half-century against West Indies

India and West Indies are clashing against each other in the 3rd and final match of the 3-match ODI series at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on Tuesday, August 1. The series was levelled up 1-1 after the Indian team were brutally thrashed by the Caribbean side by 6 wickets in the 2nd match.

Meanwhile, India’s young left-handed batter Ishan Kishan smashed his 4th consecutive half-century of the ongoing India tour of the West Indies. Kishan was the only consistent batter for India who impressed in every innings he came to bat so far in the tour. However, he got dismissed after scoring 77 runs in the 20th over.

Kishan’s consistency might help him to get a permanent spot in the team as the 3rd opener. India were looking for an extra opener as Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have already cemented their place in the squad, however, now it seems that India’s search is now ended.

Ishan Kishan is unlikely to open the batting at the WC: Aakash Chopra

Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra raised questions about India’s preparation for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. He believes that Kishan is unlikely to open with Rohit in the major event.

“It feels like the debacle of the 2022 T20 World Cup is repeating now. That is my big worry. Ishan Kishan is unlikely to open the batting at the WC. I’ll be really surprised if Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill open the batting and Rohit drops down to the middle order. I don’t agree with this at all. Should Virat Kohli drop down from No. 3, again absolutely no,” he said.

“There is a temptation with Gill-Ishan because of the left-right combination, but there just is no place anywhere in the batting order. As much as I love Kishan, he is brilliant while opening, but his numbers at No.4 are worrying. If you don’t play him more at No.4 and plan to use him at No.4 during WC, it does not add up at all,” he added. 

Here’s how fans reacted:

https://twitter.com/82off52/status/1686384295752122368?s=20