Asia Cup 2023: Ishan Kishan is making a push for the ODI World Cup squad, says Ravi Shastri

Former Indian all-rounder Ravi Shastri feels Ishan Kishan is making a push for the ODI World Cup squad. In the absence of unfit KL Rahul, Kishan grabbed his opportunity with both hands in the big clash against Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup at Pallekele on Saturday.

India was under the pump at 66-4 but Ishan Kishan played with aplomb against Pakistan spinners – Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz. Kishan was able to absorb the pressure and resurrected India’s innings after early damage was done by Pakistan’s pacers.

Kishan completed his seventh ODI fifty as he batted at the top of his game. The left-hander scored 82 runs off just 81 balls with the help of nine fours and two sixes. The southpaw also added a fine alliance of 138 runs off just 142 balls with Hardik Pandya, who scored a brilliant knock of 87 runs.

This was Kishan’s fourth consecutive fifty in the 50-overs format after his fine show in the three-match ODI series against the West Indies.

“As a batsman, you come in with a reputation that you do not get runs against any real sides. You know what, this is a real side. Haris Rauf was great, and so was Shaheen. In his (Ishan) mind, he will go back thinking that these are 3 top bowlers and I played them very comfortably and it will do wonders for his confidence,” Shastri said on Star Sports.

“Ishan Kishan will push (for the ODI World Cup). From India’s point of view, they need to be flexible. You might need one extra left hander against certain sides to make life easier for the right handers. Even though you have a very good player like KL Rahul, India should keep their options open,” he further added.

On the other hand, legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram showered praise on Ishan Kishan, stating this knock will give him a lot of confidence.

“That innings will give Ishan Kishan the confidence that he can bat anywhere in the batting order. No. 4 is the most important position in the batting order in ODI cricket, the way he tackled pace (was great). This is one of the best bowling attacks in the world and the way that he played some shots were great,” Wasim said.

The match was called off due to rain after India was bundled out for 266.India will next face Nepal at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele on Monday.