Ishan Kishan at No. 5 makes a lot of sense – Sunil Gavaskar ahead of ODI World Cup 2023

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar reckons Ishan Kishan at number five makes a lot of sense ahead of the all-important ODI World Cup. Kishan was able to grab his chance while batting in the middle order in the Asia Cup. In fact, Kishan was given an opportunity to open the innings in the final against Sri Lanka when the team needed only 51 runs for the team.

The left-hander remained unbeaten on 23 runs to help his team get to an easy target. Kishan also played a fine knock of 82 runs in the group-stage match against Pakistan and stitched a fine alliance of 138 runs with Hardik Pandya after India was struggling at 66-4.

Furthermore, the southpaw scored a decent knock of 33 runs in the Super Fours stage match against Sri Lanka and added 63 runs with KL Rahul. Kishan scored 143 runs in four innings of the Asia Cup at an average of 47.67 and a strike rate of 81.71.

Speaking to India Today, Sunil Gavaskar said, “Definitely (sealed his spot in middle-order), also gives you a left-handed option in the middle. India don’t have a left-hander at the top 4 and then Hardik Pandya. Ishan Kishan at No. 5 makes a lot of sense.”

He further added: “This is the beauty of being an opening batter. An opening bat can also slot himself down in the middle-order. Ishan Kishan has shown, particularly with the way he kept his composure, the way he handled against Pakistan and got those 80-odd runs shows that he is not somebody who likes to go out and play his shots but he is somebody who applies his mind, reads the situation and plays accordingly.”

The Little Master showered praise on Ishan Kishan for showing admirable patience while playing against Pakistan in the group stage.

“He showed admirable patience against the Pakistanis at the start, he made sure the danger was seen away. He hung around with Hardik Pandya and then started to play his shots. That is really a very, very encouraging sign because for somebody as young as him, to show the temperament he showed in that particular game means that he has a bright future ahead of him.”

Kishan will look to continue the good show in the middle order. India will take on Australia in a three-match ODI series before the World Cup.