Rohit Sharma drops major hint on India’s playing-XI ahead of first ODI against West Indies

Following 1-0 win in the recently concluded two-match Test series, the Men in Blue are all set to play against the West Indies in a three-match ODI series, with the first game slated to take place at Bridgetown on Thursday, July 27. Notably, there will be a tough battle between Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson in the playing XI for the wicketkeeping spot in the absence of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant.

He would also be the reserve backup opener: Karthik

In the same vein, former India wicketkeeper batter Dinesh Karthik said that the 23-year-old Ishan Kishan is likely to be picked instead of Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson for the ODI series against the West Indies. The former India cricketer turned commentator further said that team India lacks left-handed players, so Kishan is a good option, and he can also be the reserve opener for India.

“There is a chance that between Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson could be the choice for the second wicket-keeper. Ishan Kishan is slightly ahead because India lack left-handers. So, there is a great chance that he could be up there. He would also be the reserve backup opener,” Karthik said on Cricbuzz.

He likes to play a lot of aggressive cricket: Rohit Sharma

The young batter, Ishan Kishan, also earned praise from skipper Rohit Sharma. The stylish right-handed batter also dropped the hint by saying that Team India is in need of left-handed players and Kishan deserves more chances to play in the white ball format. Notably, the Mumbai Indians opener recently achieved the fastest double-century mark during the third ODI against Bangladesh.

“Ishan is a very talented guy. We’ve seen it in the short career that he’s had for India. He recently made 200 runs in limited-overs (ODI against Bangladesh last December). He has the game and the talent and we have to harness that talent. So we need to give (him) opportunities. He’s a left-handed batter and likes to play a lot of aggressive cricket,” skipper Rohit Sharma said after his selection in the Test.