IND vs AUS 2023: The main wicket-keeper will be a big point of contention for India, says Sanjay Bangar

Former Indian head coach Sanjay Bangar feels the main wicket-keeper will be a point of contention for India in the third ODI against Australia. KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan are two wicket-keepers in India’s World Cup of 15 members.

While Rahul has grabbed his chance with both hands since his return in the team, Kishan has also done a decent job while batting in the middle order.

Rahul scored 111 runs in the Super Fours stage match against Pakistan whereas Ishan Kishan scored 82 against the arch-rivals in the group stage of the Asia Cup.

With Shreyas Iyer also grabbing his chance, scoring 105 runs in the second ODI against Australia, the selection headaches have manifolded for the team’s think tank. It is expected that India will back KL Rahul as their first-choice wicket-keeper.

“I think who is the main wicketkeeper that will be a big point. If it is KL Rahul then he will bat at No. 5 and Shreyas will take the No. 4 spot. Then, unfortunately, Ishan Kishan and Surya will miss out in the last game,” said Bangar on Star Sports.

Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin has bagged four wickets in the first two ODIs against Australia. Bangar reckons if Ashwin plays ahead of Washington Sundar in Rajkot, then he has more chances of receiving backing from Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid for their World Cup opener in Chennai against Australia.

Ashwin returned with figures of 1-47 in the first ODI whereas he was at his absolute best in Indore, picking 3-41 in seven overs.

“If India plan to field the same team in the last ODI that will play in Chennai, then I think Ashwin will play at No.8. If he is playing ahead of Sundar, who played in the Asia Cup, it means the coach and the captain trust him more,” Bangar added.

The third ODI of the series will be played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot on Wednesday.