Former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria wants India to back left-hander Ishan Kishan at number four ahead of Shreyas Iyer in the first half of the forthcoming ODI World Cup. Kishan will provide a left-handed option in the middle order and thus he will add variety in the batting line-up.
The southpaw had recently scored a fine knock of 82 runs off just 81 balls in the group stage match of the Asia Cup against arch-rivals Pakistan. In fact, India was tottering at 66-4 when Kishan was joined by Hardik Pandya at the crease and the duo added 138 runs for the fifth wicket while playing under pressure.
Kishan is known to hit the ground running and he can score quick runs while batting in the middle order.
Danish Kaneria said while talking on his YouTube Channel, “It remains to be seen who will be their No. 4. There could be a toss-up between Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan. I feel India should go with Ishan Kishan. He is a left-handed batter, and spinners are likely to be on when he walks out to bat. He can be a better choice, especially in the first half.”
Meanwhile, India is expected to back KL Rahul, who has made a prolific return to action after recovering from a thigh injury, at number four.
On the other hand, Pakistan lost their opening warm-up match against New Zealand by five wickets despite putting 345 runs on the board. Kaneria feels the bowling got exposed against the Kiwis.
“Pakistan need to work on their bowling. Their bowling got exposed in the warm-up match. They need to be effective in these conditions. Pakistan missed the trick by not including Abrar Ahmed in the squad. Mohammad Nawaz conceded 55 runs in seven overs. I would have liked to see Imad Wasim here. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s team combination isn’t very good, which would have been better if Abrar and Imad were added.”
Pakistan will begin their World Cup 2023 campaign against the Netherlands in Hyderabad on October 6.
